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Rev. Michael LavanOrdained to the priesthood May 20, 2006 Born: 7–19–1962 Home Parish: St. Patrick, Dixon, IL |
| I went to a Catholic college run by the Franciscans in upstate New York. I had an ROTC scholarship and majored in Accounting but my practice of my faith suffered as my college career went on because I gave a higher priority to playing rugby and working than I did to my faith. When I graduated I went on active duty in the Army as a Field Artillery Officer, stationed in Germany during the height of the Cold War. In the Army I practiced my faith more consistently and when I was leaving the Army I had thoughts of priesthood, possibly even as a military chaplain. I decided to try out my Accounting degree, however, and went to work in Manhattan. Over the next dozen years I continued to try to decide my future for myself and do things my way. After a year in the City, I moved to Northern Virginia and got myself a Master's degree. I knew I didn't want to be an Accountant but I didn't know what I should be when I grew up. I was living the bachelor's life—working, playing softball, and hanging out in the neighborhood pub. Again my faith suffered, as it often seemed inconvenient. The whisper I continued to hear in the back of my mind about what I should do with my life I ignored. A change of jobs brought me to the other side of Washington DC in suburban Maryland. I took the opportunity to make some changes in my life, not the least of which was to recommit to my Catholic faith. As God's providence would have it, I met Monsignor Thomas Wells, a good, holy priest who would change my life. I eventually made an appointment with him and made a general confession. For years I had thought that Penance was the obsolete Sacrament. This was the first time in years I had approached the Sacrament, and it was the first time I truly realized God's awesome love and forgiveness. I began attending daily Mass and made prayer a regular part of my life. Fr. Wells became my spiritual director and the human agent responsible for my vocation. I thought God would make it abundantly clear to me if He wanted me to be a priest. Fr. Wells helped me to recognize the persistent whisper for what it was and encouraged me to apply to study for the Archdiocese of Washington. I began studying for Washington in 1999 and completed Pre-Theology. The summer before First Theology I was in Omaha when I got news that Fr. Wells had been murdered. Following a difficult year in First Theology, I withdrew from the seminary where I was studying and spent time reevaluating everything. I spent much more time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, continuing to make a Holy Hour every day as well as a daily Rosary and the Office. I still felt called to the priesthood, and when two different priests whom I trust recommended that I contact Rockford, I did so. I am here by the grace of God and, if it is His will, this is where I will spend my life. |
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©2008 Diocese of Rockford