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Mr. Alan Tremblay
First Theology
St. Mary’s Seminary
Baltimore, MD
Describe your most Amazing encounter with God.
I have had many amazing encounters with God. One experience that really stands out to me is when my Aunt Diane, who suffered with breast cancer for a number of years, passed away. I was about 15 or 16 years old when she died. Standing at the foot of her bed were myself, my family, and a number of my relatives. We were all praying the Rosary around her when she passed away. I believe we had just finished saying a Hail Mary when we all realized that she had stopped breathing. At that moment there was such a strong holy presence in that room, it was undeniable. I remembering wondering afterwards if it was my imagination, until others in my family were talking about it. That experience reinforced my faith a lot, it made dealing with her death easier for me to handle.
Why did you choose to go into seminary?
I decided to go to seminary after about eight years of on and off discernment. I got to a point in my life where I had to figure out if the priesthood was right for me, then my questions turned into whether or not I was right for the priesthood. I had discerned, but not openly and seriously until about six months before entering. When I finally decided to find a Spiritual Director I pretty much already believed I had a vocation and entering seminary was the next step to answering the call.
Favorite past time
I love hiking and skiing, but since entering seminary my favorite past time has become getting to spend time with my family.
What was your biggest obstacle to discerning Gods will?
The largest obstacle in discernment for me was believing that I may actually be called to this most incredible duty. Priesthood has truly become counter-cultural and in a time when priests are needed so much, God called me. I am still amazed by this because I realize how unworthy I am for such a gift. One thing that helped me was looking at the lives of the Apostles and seeing how imperfect they were, they were no different in their humanity than I am, Christ formed them into the men He needed, and I believe He is doing the same to me.
Name on thing that has surprised you about going into the seminary?
Ever since going into the seminary, I have had many opportunities to reflect and discern where God has been leading me. Through the volunteer work and ministry work I have done at various places and the many people I have met who have affected me, I have experienced a sense fulfillment in my life. Prior to going into seminary I can remember many times feeling a deep desire to affect change and be an influence in the world. I realize now what I didn't then. Everything I wanted to do is fulfilled in the priesthood. Before I knew what God wanted of me, I desired a life of purpose and am finding that purpose fulfilled in the priesthood.
How have you felt challenged while in seminary?
Discernment of God's will in my life while maintaining my personal identity are two things that continue to be integrated in my life. I am learning that the surest way to do God's will is to continually, through prayer, surrender my own will to Him and to seek Him first always. While this is a constant challenge it is also the most liberating and exciting part of formation. Knowing that I was created by God with a purpose in mind and that I am to seek that purpose has given me a sense of adventure, never really knowing what is to come but anticipating it with joy because it is a gift from God, as all things are. As I grow closer to God I sense my wants and desires being conformed to his plan for me and I realize more and more that true happiness and peace are found in what God has proposed for us and we are incomplete until we follow that path.
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