Seminarian Joseph Martello: To Christ through Mary

Joseph Martello, a seminarian set to be ordained as a transitional deacon on Dec. 14 at St. Louis Cathedral, said his goal as a deacon is to emulate Christ, the perfect servant.

[...]  Growing up in Uptown New Orleans in a devout Catholic family that regularly attended Mass and studying at Holy Name of Jesus School and De La Salle High School, Martello had the sense that the Catholic faith he was raised in was true and significant from a young age.

[...] Martello noted that one of his inspirations for his future ministry as a priest is to model his life after that of Jesus’ apostles.

“The apostles followed the Lord in a very similar way as priests do, and it’s very inspiring to me that they gave their whole lives to the Gospel and the zeal they had for it,” he said, noting St. Peter and St. Paul, who Martello said especially had a love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. “It’s important for everyone, but particularly for priests, to maintain a devotion to the Blessed Mother and to lead others into knowing how much she cares for them.”

Martello said that for anyone discerning priesthood and entering the seminary, asking the Blessed Mother for her aid in leading the person to Christ is key to the journey ahead. 

“It’s important to stay close to Christ in prayer and adoration and pray the rosary,” he said. “Be open to what he tells you, and have the courage to do it.”

Macie Capote, December 3, 2024

Adapted from www.clarionherald.org