Today I witnessed something I may never have the opportunity to see again. One of my close friends from college was ordained a Catholic Priest!
I met him my sophomore year at Bloomsburg. Our last names were very close alphabetically so I think that is how we originally met (Rounay-Rott) and then we were resident advisers together. I had mentioned to him jokingly one day that I think he would make a great priest! We got along very well so it wasn't strange for us to voice our true opinions! He kind of laughed at me and said, "Yea, me a priest" but we both kept that conversation in the back of our minds! Jeffrey finished his degree in Accounting and got his certification to become a CPA. He worked for a firm for a couple of years and then had a calling to his religion and religious orders. He went back to school...St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. After 6 years and lots of forward advancements...and me coming to support him whenever he had a special 'moment' (i.e. when he became a Deacon) he has completed his journey and can now be called Father Rott or Father Jeff by the entire world... Sorry Jeffrey, I think I will still be on first name terms with you! :) His journey completed at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Cardinal Rigali was the principal Celebrant.
I am so proud of him! He still introduces me to people with the comment, "Yea, she is the first one who told me this was my calling" and chuckles! Again, I am just so happy for him that he is truly doing what his heart has called him to and I think he will be great at it! (As long as he doesn't become long-winded during his homilies!)
Love you Jeff! and BIG congratulations!!!
See you tomorrow at your first mass! So excited!!!
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