Vocation

By John J. Riley

Vocation

Fr. Jim Nolen became a priest to bring God to man and man up to God. He is an idealist. He is brought to reality when he is exposed to a grave moral disorder practiced by the hierarchy. Thus Fr. Nolen takes a moral position against the church, breaking his vow of obedience. His life is never the same. This is a rare look into an ever-so-human Catholic Church.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9781543430684

John J. Riley

John J. Riley is a retired piano restorer and merchant, having run his piano business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for fifty-seven years. He is a widower, the father of six children and grandfather of seven. After his retirement, he has written and published four books. Two Lives is his fifth effort. Mr. Riley’s writings have an element of yesteryear, of glorious memories of times and places of a gentle world. His characters evoke our memories of people we have and can identify with, ever so human, doing their best to survive in a hard and rude world. One of the top literacy critics wrote of Mr. Riley’s work, His work leaves much to be desired to good writing construction etc. But I find myself absolutely fascinated by his stories and his characters. He does possess the gift of Irish story telling. I look forward to his writings in spite all of his literacy faults.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Vocation

M ost men could pretty well pinpoint the day and time when their vocation to the priesthood was decided. Father Jim could not. For as far back as he could remember, it was his desire to be a priest. Maybe it was when Father Nolen saw his first Mass. It was definitely before he entered grade school, as he had the good fortune to be born into a typical Irish Catholic family; both parents were devout Catholics, who practiced the Catholic faith to the letter of the law of the Holy Mother Church. His father, Tom Nolen, was a fine, outgoing, decent, and honest man who sold Buicks for a living, working for a large agency in northeast Philadelphia, Campbell Buick. His dear mother was a consummate Catholic mother and homemaker. She was a sweet, kind, patient person who lived a life of love and Christian charity. She had one hobby, and that was writing short stories and sometimes a book. As Father Jim grew older, he read them and thought they were very good. She was a real writer. When he told his mother she should send them to a publisher, she said, Oh, no, they are not that good. His mother was a humble person.

Their homelife was that of an average family. He had an elder brother, Tom Jr., who was four years older than him. He had an elder sister, Maureen, and a baby sister, Bridget. They all grew up in the 1970s among a typical Catholic community in northeast Philadelphia.

In Father Jim’s fourth grade at St. Albert’s School, the altar server Sister Evangeline came into their classroom asking for a show of hands for boys desiring to be altar servers. His hand was the first one to shoot up. About six hands were raised. Sister Evangeline picked him and two other boys. He was ecstatic. He could not wait to run home to tell his mother and father of his good news. They were as happy as he was.

It took about one month of preparation before he would serve his first Mass. He remembered it in great detail; it was with Fr. Hugh Higgins, the pastor, who was a fine, humble, devout, and kind old man. It was the eight o’clock Mass, about a week before Christmas. He was so nervous that he hardly slept the night before. In anticipation of this great honor, he was in the sacristy at seven thirty, and Father Higgins arrived ten minutes before eight. He asked Jim, Mr. Nolen, are you nervous?

He answered, Oh yes, Father.

Father Higgins said, Now calm down, son, as everything will be fine.

His partner, Bill Green, was also new, but it did not bother him in the least, saying, So what if we make a mistake? It is not the end of the world. Needless to say, serving Mass to Bill did not mean the same to Jim, as he saw his altar server days as his first step to his dream of becoming a priest. He was a bit pressured, as in the congregation was his mother and father and the entire convent of nine nuns.

As Father Higgins predicted, all went well; Jim got through serving his first Mass without any major mistakes. Father Higgins thanked him and said, See, James? All went well. Say a special prayer to Our Lady that you would do well and make no mistakes. Our Lady never lets me down. Remember that, James.

After Mass, his mom and dad met Jim, and they all walked home together. His mother said, Oh, Jim, we are so proud to see you on the altar.

He boastfully said, If you think that is good, wait until I become a priest.

His mom said, Son, that dream is a long way off. But if that is what God has in mind for you, so be it. Right, Tom? She checked with his dad.

His dad said, Fr. James Nolen—it has a nice ring to it.

The Altar Server

Jim took to his being an altar server much like a duck took to water. He just loved everything about the church. He loved the services, the prayers, the liturgy, the overall experience of the church. In a year, he became known as the best and most dedicated altar server at St. Albert’s Church. In the summertime, he would serve as many as three masses a day. When an altar server did not show up for Mass, they could always call on Jim Nolen. In time, the pastor, Father Higgins, and he became good friends. Jim, at his young age, told the pastor that his dream was to become a priest. Father Higgins said, Jim, you are too young to know your life. But if God wants that for you, he will make known your desire. All is in God’s hands. Pray to our blessed mother for a vocation.

Jim boastfully said, Father, I already have a vocation. I will become a priest.

Father Higgins, with a great smile on his face, said, Jim, it looks to me like you mean business. Time will tell.

Schoolwork

Jim was naturally a good student, having an average of A on all his classes. Learning and bookwork came easy for him. When he was in the seventh grade, his favorite nun, the altar server Sister Evangeline, took him aside one day to ask him, James, have you ever given any thought to becoming a priest?

He answered, Sister, that has been my goal and dream as far back as I can remember. I will become a priest.

Sister said joyfully, I am happy to hear that. I will pray for your dream to come true. I just know you will be a great candidate for holy orders.

A Trip

Not long after Jim’s talk with Father Higgins in regard to his ideas on becoming a priest, after serving his morning Mass one summer day, Father Higgins asked Jim, What have you planned for today?

He answered, Nothing.

Would you like to take a ride with me? Ask your mother if it will be all right. We will be gone most of the day. Jim was elated. He checked with his mom, and she said it was fine. Upon arriving at the rectory, Father Higgins was waiting for him in his old black Plymouth sedan.

On the drive out of the city, Father Higgins and Jim had a conversation about trivial matters. Then Father Higgins pulled up to great iron gates. On the gates, a sign read, St. Philip Neri Seminary. Jim could not believe his eyes as they drove into the great complex of stone buildings. Father Higgins saw his surprise, saying, Here we are, Jim, in the seminary I spent ten years of my life.

After Father Higgins parked the Plymouth in front of the chapel, he took him into the chapel, saying, Jim, wait here. I have some business to attend to. When I return, we will have lunch, and I will take you on a grand tour of St. Philip. Jim was almost speechless to be actually where he would be one day.

Father Higgins was gone for about forty minutes. When he returned, he said, How about we have lunch first and then we’ll have a grand tour of the seminary? The pastor took Jim into the seminary lunchroom; it was larger than any restaurant he had ever seen. The cook who knew Father Higgins prepared a great lunch for them.

After lunch, they toured the various buildings and the classrooms; as it was summertime, no one was in class. Jim was speechless as he went through the magnificent stone buildings; he was in awe of the grandeur of it all. The pastor took him into the rooms where the seminarians sleep, the gym, and the ball field.

After hours of touring, Father Higgins said, Now, Jim, I want you to meet the headman of the seminary, the rector. His name is Msgr. John Grady. He was a classmate of mine.

Upon meeting the rector, Father Higgins said, John, in about five years, I expect—God willing—that young Jim Nolen will be with you at St. Phillips.

Monsignor Grady said, Fine, I look forward to you. Pray for your vocation.

On the ride back to the city, Jim was ecstatic; he could not thank Father Higgins enough. Father Higgins said, I knew you would enjoy this trip. You know, Jim, I spent ten years studying for the priesthood. I must tell you, Jim, the studies are not easy. Many a time, I did not know if I would succeed. But with prayer and the grace of God, I did. Success, I must tell you, Jim, as difficult as it was, it was worth it.

He answered, When you want something really bad, you will try all the more.

Father Higgins said, That’s the spirit, Jim.

Upon arriving home, Jim told his mother of his trip and the tour of the seminary. She was as happy as he was, saying, Wait until your dad hears you were at the seminary.

When his siblings heard of his trip to the seminary, his elder brother, Tom, said, They got you. The hook is baited. Tom was a wise guy, always having a smart-aleck remark regardless of what went down. Thirteen years old, and you know what to do with your life.

Jim assured Tom, Yes, I do know what I want in life, and that is to become a priest.

Tom said in a smart-aleck way, Yeah, wait until you discover girls.

Just then, their mom entered the room to say dinner was ready. She said sternly to Tom, Leave Jim alone. Do not elaborate on that statement about girls.

Bridget, his youngest sister, said, Jim, I think it is wonderful you wanted to be a priest. I know you will be a good priest.

A Special Boy

In Jim’s sixth grade, a new boy was admitted to St. Albert’s. He transferred from his previous school because the students bullied and harassed him. Sister gave a little introduction. His name is Robert Emhart. Treat him as you would any other Christian. God made all types of people, saying we must love everyone. It is the Christian way. Jim could see nothing different about him. From the first day, Robert and he became good friends. He, like Jim, loved opera and classical music; he was a good student and very smart.

Jim told his brother, Tom, of his new classmate. Tom, the man with all the answers, said, You know what is wrong with him?

Jim said, I don’t think anything is wrong with him.

Tom said, Sure there is. He is a queer.

He asked, What is a queer?

Tom answered, It is a boy who likes other boys. Guys should like girls. Queers are not normal guys. They do things to guys that girls should do. Jim had no idea what Tom was talking about. Robert and he got along fine.

One day, Robert asked Jim what he intended to do with his life. He answered, I want to become a priest. How about you? What is your goal?

Robert answered, I intend to become a doctor like my father.

In the two years Robert attended St. Albert’s School, Jim saw nothing wrong with his conduct. One thing that was not normal was he did wear the perfume of his sisters, Evening in Paris. One day, the Mother Superior took Jim aside to compliment him on his Christian treatment of this special boy. After he graduated from eighth grade, their family left the parish. He never saw him again.

High School

Jim graduated from St. Albert’s School, going into Archbishop Riley High School, his father’s alma mater. The studies were more difficult; however, he still retained his A average. As he was told by Father Higgins, good marks in high school would make his entrance easier to the seminary. His favorite subject in high school was no surprise—religion. After one of his religion classes, the priest who taught the class said, Jim Nolen, I want to see you after class. The priest got right to the purpose of his talk. Jim, have you ever given any thought to becoming a priest?

His answer was Yes. Since I was a child, I have thought of nothing other than becoming a priest.

The priest asked, Have you talked it over with your pastor?

He answered, Yes, I have. Father, it is a done deal.

The priest shook his hand and said, I am happy for you. But continue to pray that all goes well.

Girls

It was no deep dark secret that Jim Nolen wanted to become a priest. It was common knowledge throughout the parish. His sister’s friends inquired about dating him. He was a sort of challenge. However, he did have a girl he was steadily seeing; she was Noreen McKenna. Noreen played the organ at St. Albert’s; they both liked opera and classical music. They would attend operas at the Academy of Music. Noreen and he both agreed that their friendship would never be anything more, as she knew his goal was to become a priest. She knew nothing of a serious nature would ever come about. Now that he looked back to it, he felt it was not fair to Noreen. His elder brother, Tom, the complete expert on girls and sex and other allied arts, told him, If you had any sense, you would get serious with Noreen, as she was the prettiest and sexiest girl in the parish.

CHAPTER 2

A Strange Priest

J im was in his second year at Kelly Prep. His brother, Tom, cautioned him to be very careful in gym class, saying, After gym class, all boys must shower, so be careful going in or out of the shower, as there is a priest who is a queer. He is always in the gym showers as gym monitor, looking over all the nude boys.

One time, Jim saw the said priest grab his buddy Frank in the most inappropriate manner. Frank was a big nineteen-year-old football player. He said to the priest, Do that again, and I will put your lights out, priest or no priest. After that warning, Jim noticed the sick priest avoided Frank.

Jim later told about it to his dad, who was disappointed to hear this was done by a priest. I guess they are even in the priesthood, his dad said. Keep clear of him. The sad thing about this story was this priest was one of the best teachers Jim had. He taught English. He actually felt sorry for this sick man. Little did he know this would not be the last time he would come in contact with—as Tom called them—queers.

Setting the Stage

Jim was now in his final year at Kelly Prep. Father Higgins was now setting the stage for his entrance into St. Philip. Father Higgins did most of all the paperwork, as the rector of St. Philip was an old friend and classmate of his. Jim’s mother and father had his first four years of tuition all saved and put aside; they were both so happy to see him enter the priesthood. Some parents of students did not condone this life. His mom and dad saw his priesthood as a privilege, a blessing from God. Tom and Bridget saw it as his desire but were not sure if he could make it through the ten-year study period. Jim was now seventeen years of age; he would be ordained at age twenty-seven, God willing.

The family gave him a going-away party in the school hall. Everyone was there; all the nuns, the priests, the whole parish turned out. They all lined up to say good-bye. At the end of the line was Noreen McKenna with tears in her eyes, saying, Jim, I wish you all the best. I will miss you.

He answered, I will miss you also. He looked over to his brother, who had a glass of beer in his hand and just looked at him and shook his head.

CHAPTER 3

The Seminary

J im left for the seminary in the last week of August; classes were to begin in September. His mother and dad and Father Higgins drove him out to St. Philip Neri Seminary. His mother kissed him good-bye. In between tears, she said, My little boy, a priest.

His dad said, I knew you would turn on the waterworks. He shook his hands and embraced Jim. Don’t forget, anything you need, call.

Father Higgins also embraced him, saying, Jim, I will pray extra hard tonight. All will be well.

He assured all of them, I will do well, and before you know it, I will be home for Christmas. I promise I’ll write.

He watched his dad’s big Buick Roadmaster pull out on Lancaster Turnpike. He was reminded of an old Chinese proverb that said, A great journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

The Interview

As a matter of course, the rector of the seminary, Msgr. John Clancey (whom he met five years ago), interviewed each new student on the first day of their coming to St. Philip. After he warmly welcomed Jim to St. Philip, he asked, Jim Nolen, would you tell me why you should be here at St. Philip? It was quite a question.

He endeavored to answer the monsignor’s question by saying, Ever since I was a little boy, I had this burning desire to be a priest. I see it as a wonderful vocation to make a difference in one’s life, to offer daily Mass, to comfort the sick and dying, and to bring hope to the poor and lonely and downtrodden. I see it as a magnificent way to spend one’s life. I only hope I can measure up to my dear friend and mentor, our pastor, Fr. Hugh Higgins.

Monsignor Clancey said, I know Father Higgins. He is a tough act to follow. The monsignor shook his hands. Welcome to St. Philip, Mr. Nolen.

That first day was hectic. They were assigned to their rooms and classrooms. At times, it seemed like mass confusion. But in the end, it all worked out. Jim’s one thought was This was to be my life for ten years. The first day reminded me of being in the army. The regimentation was there. I put myself in the hands of Our Blessed Lady to see me through.

He Makes a Friend

Next to Jim’s room was an especially friendly fellow; his name was Anthony Gruerio. He was from St. Rita’s Parish in South Philly. He was four years older than he was. He told him his family were not happy with his becoming a priest, as he was the only boy in a family of three sisters. The family chose him to run their restaurant business. However, it was Anthony’s dream to become a priest. He made a decision to enter the seminary knowing this was what he desired to do with his life. Anthony said he felt bad leaving his family, but he knew any one of his sisters could run and make prosper the family business.

Anthony confided in Jim, telling him that the great concern he had was if he could handle the studies, as bookwork was never his forte. Throughout high school, he was no better than a C student. He told Anthony, I will help you all I can, as I have this plan to pass on an A average. Anthony, why do you want to become a priest?

Anthony answered, I cannot think of a better job in life where you can help your fellow man and do so much directly to change one’s life. A priest is a direct agent to God.

He said, It is sad that your family cannot appreciate your noble calling.

Anthony said, One person in my family does, and that is my little eighty-two-year-old grandmother. The rest of the family thinks I am nuts, saying I am throwing my life away.

He said to Anthony, I am fortunate, as my complete family is all for my vocation.

Anthony said, I envy you.

The Beginning

On the first week of their classes, they became aware of their education requirements. The first four years would be the equal of a college education. The remaining six years would be devoted to theology, including two languages, Latin and Italian or Spanish. The first four years would be spent at St. Philip, which was known as the minor seminary; the remaining six would be at the major seminary. Their professors stressed that a good student, with A and B marks, would make for a good, intelligent priest. Anthony Gruerio said, Well, Jim, I guess I am that less than intelligent priest with my striving for a C mark.

Jim was able to give Anthony a positive story told by Father Higgins, who never was a good student, passing with a C average. Father Higgins said that, in his last two years at St. Philip, he was really struggling to pass. An old professor called him aside to tell him, Hugh, I want to tell you a little story and my observation through my many years at St. Philip, and that is that the dummies of the class, those fellows who fight to pass with a C, tend to become the best priests. I don’t know why, but it is a fact. So take heart.

As Jim finished his tale, this big, six-foot football player was in tears. Anthony said, "Jim, you have no