Benjamin Kehoe

College Program - Junior

Parish: St. Robert of Newminster, Milwaukee

Seminary: Immaculate Heart of Mary College Seminary

Birthday: September 11

Intercessor: Pope St. John Paul II, St. Faustina, St. Therese, Padre Pio, St. Philip Neri, Bl. Fulton Sheen, Bl. Michael McGivney

Tell us your vocation story:

I didn’t have a strong desire for the priesthood until I realized the full depth of the priesthood and what it meant to give up everything and follow Christ. In high school I had a strong desire to start praying the rosary and going to daily Mass. I started to meet priests who were a great example of piety and zeal and who desired the conversion of sinners. Through this I really acquired a heart for serving others. While working, this desire kept growing into an enthusiasm to serve God’s Church. During high school I kept feeling this desire to be a priest, but I kept telling the Lord to give me a definitive sign. I realized that this constant desire He had put in my heart was that sign that I kept asking for. In one of the times when I went to confession, I really experienced God’s forgiveness, and I felt such relief in the sacrament. Through this joy I couldn’t imagine the extent of the feeling the priest has every time he brings this forgiveness to others in the sacrament. Through these moments in my life, I experienced this strong desire to give myself to Christ for the service of His Church.

What is the greatest challenge facing a man considering the seminary?

Sacrificing himself every day for the people of the Church for the glory of God’s kingdom.

What is your favorite Psalm verse and why?

Psalm 16: “Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord You are my God. My happiness lies in you alone.”                 

We are so reliant on God, and because of this we cannot live life to the fullest without Him.

What are your favorite activities outside of the seminary?

Playing sports, spending time with family, fixing anything.

Where do you like to go pray?

Any church that is quiet and empty.

Where do you do your best studying?

Alone in the outdoors, or in the library.

Which saint should people ask to intercede for your vocation?

Our Lady and St Joseph.