But I had a big lesson to learn. It wasn't my life. Each and every one of us has  been given gifts, and is on a journey to make the most of these gifts. No one can know what's in our minds and hearts better than ourselves. Paul knew his wants and needs and direction in life much better than me--his mother. (Oh boy, was that a hard pill to swallow.) He knew himself better than I did and had a much better idea what he wanted in life. I certainly would not have wanted anyone trying to tell me not to marry the man I had fallen in love with over 40 years ago. I was certain about that choice. And I wouldn't have listened to anyone trying to change my mind about going to nursing school. That's what I really wanted. So, I needed to respect Paul's desire and calling.
Now, 13 years since Paul first decided to become a Franciscan, I'm glad he did! First, he's had unusual opportunities to make a difference and to touch people's live in ways that most of us never will. He's had unbelievable educational opportunities. He has traveled outside the US to Central America, Africa, Europe. What a way to share and nourish our faith.
Second, his dad and I and our family have become friends with many friars we have met along Paul's journey. They are spirited group: warm, hospitable, with a variety of educational backgrounds and involved in a variety of spiritual endeavors. We have gotten to know them through liturgies and celebrations, social events and meals, and it has been such a gift for us all. Paul's vocation has certainly been a blessing to him, to us and to others.
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Mom's Reflection on Son's Vocation
Mike's vocation has always been a family affair. When he first announced that he was joining the Franciscans after high school graduation, my husband and our three daughters were as shocked as I was that he would be leaving home. We had very mixed emotions but we gave him our blessings, love and support as he began his journey.
We have been very blessed to share his faith journey through the years from the U.S. to Italy and back. Through these years we have grown as a family as our lives were enriched by the faith examples of Mike and the family of Friars who have come to mean so much to us.
Personally, it is overwhelming to me as I listen to Mike preaching the Gospel. It's at that moment that I know in my heart that the Lord truly speaks through my beloved son.
Bev Martin, Proud Mother of Michael T. Martin, OFM., Conv.
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Richard Heine reflects on his son's vocation
I am a father blessed with a wonderful wife, and five great children – all eminently successful in their chosen careers in life. My wife and I are extremely proud of them all.
Our oldest child and son, Mike, always manifested a keen closeness to the Catholic faith and the Church per se. As an altar boy in grade school, and yes high school too, plus being a reader at Mass etc, Mike was drafting and formulating and preparing his career in life, i.e., being a priest. Even though Mike had an extraordinary attachment to our Church in his teens, it did not preclude his involvement at school, sports and social activities. Mike had a good sense of balancing his Church duties vs., his teenage life of just being a typical high school kid having fun and mixing with his peers.
In Mike's senior year at Saint Rose High School, Belmar, N.J, Mike announced that he wanted to enter the seminary in preparation for the priesthood. This was not a surprise to my wife, Patti, or I. We were thrilled with his decision. We felt, and still feel, that the priesthood is the most noble vocation in life – not to make light of the other vocations chosen by our other children for they are very worthy and rewarding, but this singular vocation is a special calling from God to serve Him. We felt blessed, his sister and brothers too felt blessed, and Mike was especially blessed being accepted into the Conventual Franciscan Order.
Priestly life “ain't easy” for one must give one hundred percent every hour, every day, every week, month and year. There is no grace period to slack off to his fellow man and woman. Service to God demands this unselfishness towards others and Mike has exhibited this holy attribute for the past fourteen years. As his father, I am grateful to our Maker for allowing Mike to fulfill his dream and being God's servant as a Franciscan Friar. During Mike's years in formation I always ended my letters to him with “stick in there Mick” and he has. We are very proud of him and trust he can influence more young men to accept the challenge to offer their lives in the service of God. I pray with Patti that he'll be successful in recruiting more holy men. God bless him.
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Kathy Enicks reflects the vocation of her friend Fr. Jim Kent
Fr. Jim Kent and Kathy Enicks met over 20 years ago while they lived in Charlottesville, Virginia. They have been close friends ever since. Kathy shares her experience of Jim's vocation to Franciscan life and priesthood.
What was your first reaction when Jim shared with you his plans to enter Franciscan formation to become a friar and priest?
It was a perfect summer evening and we sat outside at Millers, this great bar we frequented in Charlottesville. (A few years later, Dave Matthews got his start there.) Jim told me he had something important to tell me--and did he! He told me he was going to be a priest! My initial reaction was one of shock. I made some comment to the effect that it would definitely interfere with his social life.
My secondary feelings were of a great peace, that this decision seemed so right. I had this incredible friend sitting across from me telling me this amazing news, and I was honored to be in his closest circle of friends. As we sat there and talked, it suddenly became so obvious to me that Jim was meant to be a priest, a friar, a Franciscan.
Was it a good choice for him?
It now seems the only choice for Jim, the only way I could ever imagine existing for him.
What's it been like to know the friars and share in his Franciscan life?
I have visited Jim (and he us) numerous times over the past 20 years in Washington, Louisville, and Mount St. Francis, Indiana. I was at the Mount for his First Mass and celebration afterwards. It was a spectacular sunny day with the fall foliage at its peak. Leaves were blowing down the aisle of the church, and I felt like I was in a movie. It was not possible to be prouder of anyone than I was of Jim. I did one of the Scripture readings and could not have been happier to be a part of something so special.
In recent years, my three daughters and I spent several summers visiting him at St. Paul in Louisville. We stayed in the nun's quarters (no longer in use) and ate breakfast and watched TV with the friars. Our favorite was Father David, who used to bring us popsicles. During those visits, we would always spend a day at Mount St. Francis, picnicking and swimming in the lake.
Those are such perfect summer memories. The Mount is such a special place to both Jim and us. It's a place where one does feel at peace and restores one's faith in God. Jim's vocation has been a blessing in so many ways.
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