Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

The Catholic Charities of Central Florida in Orlando has launched a poverty immersion program for young men discerning priesthood. The program aims to provide seminarians with firsthand experience in serving the poor and vulnerable, as well as developing their trust in God's will.

Deacon Gary Tester, President of Catholic Charities of Central Florida, has longed for such a program for years. Inspired by his friend, Father Miguel González, who had a transformative experience at Catholic Charities during his seminary training, Deacon Tester wanted to offer a similar opportunity to seminarians. He believes that this program will give them insight into their potential pastoral responsibilities and help them understand the call of the priesthood.

The poverty immersion program is designed to foster trust in providence and simplicity of living. Father Kevin McQuone, Director of Propaedeutic Formation at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, explains that the program encourages seminarians to rely on God's provision and allow Him to surprise and console them. By serving the poor and trusting in God's care, the seminarians can grow in confidence and recognize Jesus in their work.

Six seminarians, including Anthony Cabrera and Marc D'Angelo, were chosen to participate in the poverty immersion program. They were sent in pairs, just as Christ sent out the apostles. Equipped with the guidance of saints such as St. Francis of Assisi and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the seminarians embarked on their journey to central Florida.

During their time in Orlando, the seminarians lived at Holy Redeemer Parish in Kissimmee and worked at the onsite Catholic Charities food pantry. They also learned to navigate the public transportation system, witnessing the daily struggles faced by many impoverished people. With a limited budget for transportation and food, they relied on the generosity of Juan Vega, director of food ministries at Catholic Charities, and his volunteers.

Anthony Cabrera reflects on the experience of living in poverty, realizing what he had taken for granted. He recalls a moment when he felt compelled to help a man who was having difficulty getting off the bus. After speaking with the man and learning about his struggles, Cabrera prayed with him and experienced beautiful moments of prayer. Cabrera admits that he struggled with uncertainty but discovered the importance of listening and surrendering to God's will.

Marc D'Angelo also had profound experiences during the poverty immersion program. He recalls witnessing the sadness and vulnerability of people during his bus rides. D'Angelo remembers a single mother yelling at her young children on the bus, and he felt the Holy Spirit revealing the hurt in the world. He learned to surrender deeply to God's will and have faith in Christ's victory.

The seminarians' experiences at Catholic Charities of Central Florida have left a lasting impact on them. They have learned the value of creative compassion and the importance of accepting everything as grace. Their time in the poverty immersion program has strengthened their confidence and faith in their discernment of priesthood.

The Catholic Charities of Central Florida plans to host more seminarians in the poverty immersion program in January 2025. The program continues to provide young men with a unique opportunity to serve the poor and discern their calling to priesthood.