Name: Robert A. Boileau Class: IV College

Parish: Saint Monica, Philadelphia

What year did you enter the seminary? 2004

What did you do prior to seminary entrance?
Graduated high school.

What influenced your decision to enter the seminary?
The priestly example that was present in my home parish and contemplative prayer.

Why do you want to be a priest?
To deepen other’s relationships with Jesus Christ through the Sacraments, most especially the Holy Eucharist and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to allow others to come to know Him and love Him better.

What did your family and friends think about your decision to enter the seminary?
My parents were not surprised when I told them I had decided to enter the seminary. They made it very clear to me that I have their full support. My friends, to my surprise, were also very supportive. They told me they had an idea all along that I had wanted to be a priest.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy listening to music, playing volleyball and basketball, card games and board games, watching movies and spending time with family and friends.

Who is your favorite Saint?
My favorite saint is Saint John the Apostle. In my discernment process on whether to enter the seminary, I prayed a lot to Saint John asking him to give me the courage that I desperately needed. I continue to pray to Saint John daily, asking him to help me in deepening my relationship with Jesus Christ.

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?
Prayer. I can not stress that enough. Ask the Lord if this is indeed his calling for you, and remember that it is not you who is choosing to become a priest. It is the Lord who has chosen you. He has called each of us by name and it is up to us to listen to Him and heed His call.