Cardinal O'Malley to Ordain Plymouth Man

Souza, 27, was raised in Plymouth by his parents, Paul and Donna Souza, and he attended Sacred Heart High School in Kingston, and attended Blessed (now St.) Kateri Tekakwitha Parish.He attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia for the first three years of college, before graduation from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio in 2008. He completed his seminary formation at St. John’s in Brighton. His deacon assignment was spent at St. Mary Parish in Lynn.

Father Souza’s first Mass will be at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, May 26 at 2 p.m. He will be the homilist as well.

Here's a Q&A with Father Souza from the Archiodese.

What are some of the factors that led to your decision to enter the seminary and discern the question of a vocation to the priesthhod? Some of the factors that helped me decide to enter seminary were: attending the Steubenville East Youth Conference, becoming involved in my parish, and the positive example of my peers who lived the faith.
Who are some of the people who influenced your decision to enter the seminary? what is it about them that assisted you? Certainly, my parish priests had the greatest influence in my decision to enter the seminary. But, the encouragement I received from my friends was also indispensable.
What would you say is the role of prayer in the life of a seminarian and what effect does it have on one's ability to see god's call? Prayer is of vital importance to the seminarian because it is there that he fosters intimacy with Our Lord. Particularly, mental prayer because it requires a relationship with the Divine in order to be sustained. For me, mental prayer has been the most fruitful.
What advice would you give to a man who thinking about his vocation and is considering that god may be calling him to be a priest? I encourage him to frequent the Sacraments, become involved in his parish, study the scriptures, and foster a deepening spiritual life.

What do you like most about being a seminarian? The part I enjoy most about being a seminarian is the opportunity to learn more about our faith and the opportunity to be involved with many different parishes.

What do you think is the greatest challenge facing a man who is considering the seminary? I do not think that there is a single greatest challenge facing a man who is considering the seminary--the "great challenges" are as many as those who discern any call from Our Lord.

What are some of your hobbies or pastimes? what are some of the things you like to do in your "free" time? Bantering, Skiing, Golf, Racquetball, motorcycle riding, etc.


What are some of your favorite authors/books/movies? A Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole The Power and Glory, Graham Green The Screwtape Letters, CS Lewis Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales

What do you think is the best way to encourage vocations to the priesthood in the archdiocese of Boston? It seems to me that the best way to encourage vocations to the priesthood is by getting to know one's local clergy. Additionally, the frequent reception of the Sacraments cannot overlooked as the principal way the Holy Spirit acts in the hearts and minds of men discerning a vocation to the priesthood. What are some of the factors that led to your decision to enter the seminary and discern the question of a vocation to the priesthhod? Some of the factors that helped me decide to enter seminary were: attending the Steubenville East Youth Conference, becoming involved in my parish, and the positive example of my peers who lived the faith.
Who are some of the people who influenced your decision to enter the seminary? what is it about them that assisted you? Certainly, my parish priests had the greatest influence in my decision to enter the seminary. But, the encouragement I received from my friends was also indispensable.
What would you say is the role of prayer in the life of a seminarian and what effect does it have on one's ability to see god's call? Prayer is of vital importance to the seminarian because it is there that he fosters intimacy with Our Lord. Particularly, mental prayer because it requires a relationship with the Divine in order to be sustained. For me, mental prayer has been the most fruitful.
What advice would you give to a man who thinking about his vocation and is considering that god may be calling him to be a priest? I encourage him to frequent the Sacraments, become involved in his parish, study the scriptures, and foster a deepening spiritual life.

What do you like most about being a seminarian? The part I enjoy most about being a seminarian is the opportunity to learn more about our faith and the opportunity to be involved with many different parishes.

What do you think is the greatest challenge facing a man who is considering the seminary? I do not think that there is a single greatest challenge facing a man who is considering the seminary--the "great challenges" are as many as those who discern any call from Our Lord.

What are some of your hobbies or pastimes? what are some of the things you like to do in your "free" time? Bantering, Skiing, Golf, Racquetball, motorcycle riding, etc.


What are some of your favorite authors/books/movies? A Confederacy of Dunces, John Kennedy Toole The Power and Glory, Graham Green The Screwtape Letters, CS Lewis Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales

What do you think is the best way to encourage vocations to the priesthood in the archdiocese of Boston? It seems to me that the best way to encourage vocations to the priesthood is by getting to know one's local clergy. Additionally, the frequent reception of the Sacraments cannot overlooked as the principal way the Holy Spirit acts in the hearts and minds of men discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

The CatholicTV Network will broadcast the entire Mass live from the Cathedral beginning at 9 a.m.