What he would like to do, he said, is contribute to a renewal of priestly culture.
“Theological College has a very strong formation program based upon the Sulpician tradition,” he explained.
“One of the hallmarks of the Sulpician approach to formation is attention to human formation. We’ve always believed, and I believe very firmly, that the spiritual life is built upon the life of the natural human being.”
The Sulpician approach also includes elements of spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation.
Fr. Brown reported that Theological College is doing “sterling” in terms of both number and quality of vocations.
“We have a full house this year,” he said, explaining that the college even had to turn men away because there was not enough room for them.
“Theological College has never in my memory been in better condition,” he said.
And in his assessment, seminaries across the country are experiencing a similar influx in vocations that is bringing men of “outstanding quality” to their doors.
Despite fear and cultural pressures, these men have shown “a certain kind of courage to step up to the plate and at least try to discern.”
Fr. Brown believes that priestly vocations coming out of strong seminaries are an important part of strengthening the Church.
“We indeed will be able to help to renew the Church through the renewal of the priesthood,” he said.
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Michelle La Rosa is deputy editor-in-chief of Catholic News Agency. She has worked for CNA since 2011. She studied political philosophy and journalism at the University of Dallas.