Meet Seminarian Connor Roukey
In this episode of the Christ by the Sea Catholic Collaborative Podcast, Father Scott Uvard introduces us to Connor Roukey, a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Boston. Connor shares his journey, from growing up in Abington, Massachusetts, to his studies at Boston College and Saint John's Seminary. Learn about his experiences during the inaugural Propaedeutic year, a new phase in priestly formation, and his involvement in community service at Saint Francis House and the Encounter program.
Topics
- On the podcast, Father Scott is joined by Connor Roukey, a seminarian assigned to their parishes for pastoral formation for 6 weeks in the summer of 2024 and part-time during the upcoming academic year.
- Connor Roukey is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Boston, having completed his first year of formation known as the Propaedeutic year.
- Father Scott and Connor discuss the Propaedeutic year, the first of four stages in the new program of priestly formation, which includes discipleship, configuration, and vocational synthesis.
- The Propaedeutic year focuses on spiritual and human formation with less emphasis on academics, allowing more time for prayer and community service.
- Connor's experiences include volunteering at Saint Francis House, a homeless shelter, and participating in the Encounter program, engaging with the homeless in Boston.
- Connor enjoys playing piano and organ, reading nonfiction and spiritual books, spending time with friends, and exploring the local area through walks and activities.
Notes
- The Catholic Church honors many Saints in the month of July feast days including Saint Thomas, Saint Maria Goretti, Saint Benedict of Nursia, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint James the Great and Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
- Saint Thomas the Apostle, often referred to as "Doubting Thomas," provides a profound lesson on faith. Initially skeptical of Jesus' resurrection, Thomas famously declared he would not believe until he saw and touched Jesus' wounds. When Jesus appeared and invited Thomas to do so, Thomas responded with a declaration of faith, "My Lord and my God," one of the most direct acknowledgments of Christ's divinity in the New Testament. Tradition holds that Thomas later traveled to India, where he preached the gospel and established Christian communities, ultimately achieving martyrdom. His story illustrates the journey from doubt to unwavering faith and the strength Christ grants to fulfill one's mission.
- Saint Maria Goretti is one of the youngest canonized saints in the Catholic Church, known for her moral integrity and forgiveness. Growing up in a devout but impoverished Catholic family, Maria faced a significant trial at the age of 11 when she was attacked by a neighbor, Alessandro Serenelli, who attempted to assault her. Maria resisted, upholding her commitment to chastity, and was fatally stabbed. Remarkably, she forgave her attacker while on her deathbed and expressed a desire to see him in heaven. Alessandro later repented and sought forgiveness. Maria's example emphasizes the power of faith and forgiveness, and she was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
- Saint Benedict of Nursia, the father of Western monasticism and the patron saint of Europe, significantly influenced monastic communities and Western civilization. Born in 480 in Italy, Benedict left a life of privilege to live as a hermit, gaining a reputation for holiness. He authored the Rule of Saint Benedict, which balanced prayer, work, and study, and emphasized community living, obedience, and humility. The Benedictine Order, founded on his principles, played a crucial role in preserving learning, culture, and charity during the Middle Ages, helping shape the spiritual and intellectual landscape of Europe.
- Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, known as the "Lily of the Mohawks," exemplified deep faith and resilience. Born in 1656 in present-day New York State to a Christian mother and a Mohawk chief, she survived smallpox, which left her scarred and orphaned. Despite cultural resistance, Kateri embraced Christianity and was baptized at 19. Facing persecution, she fled to a Christian village, dedicating her life to prayer, fasting, and caring for the sick. She made a vow of perpetual virginity, fully committing to God. Kateri's canonization by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 honors her profound piety and dedication.
- Saint Mary Magdalene, a significant figure in the New Testament, is celebrated for her transformative encounter with Jesus and her unwavering devotion. Jesus cast out seven demons from her, after which she became one of His most devoted followers. She is famously known as the first to witness the risen Christ on Easter morning and was instructed by Jesus to inform the disciples of His resurrection. Known as the "apostle to the apostles," Mary Magdalene's life is a testament to the power of Christ's healing and the importance of witness and evangelism.
- Saint James the Great, one of the twelve apostles and the first to be martyred, is honored for his zealous preaching and close association with Jesus. As the brother of John and son of Zebedee, James was part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing key events such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. After Jesus' resurrection, James spread the gospel in Judea, Samaria, and possibly as far as Spain. His martyrdom by beheading under King Herod Agrippa around 44 AD highlights his unwavering dedication to his mission.
- Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are celebrated together for their family’s united faith and love for Christ. Martha is remembered for her hospitality and service, while Mary exemplifies spiritual devotion, having sat at Jesus' feet to listen to His teachings. Jesus gently reminded Martha of the importance of spiritual focus amid her service. Lazarus is known for being raised from the dead by Jesus, symbolizing the promise of resurrection. This family’s encounters with Jesus highlight the balance of service, devotion, and the miraculous power of faith.