Father Daniel Firmin
Class of 2000
St. Mary, Mother of God, Washington, DC

     I first thought that God might be calling me to the priesthood when I was about 11 years old. In the beginning I fought the idea; I had other plans for my life. But, eventually, I realized that I needed to figure out what the Lord wanted, not what I wanted.
     I transferred to Franciscan University as a sophomore and joined their Pre-Theologate Program, which helps young men discern the priesthood. That played a huge role in my discernment process. The intense prayer life and the support of the other men were so helpful. And then there was the campus community. When you’re surrounded by people whose daily lives are centered on the Mass and on Christ, you can’t help but have a leg up in the discernment process.
     The academics were also outstanding. I went to seminary in Rome, and few of my professors could touch the quality of the faculty at Franciscan University. Most fell short. The program of studies also made a difference. I was exposed to so many wonderful authors, teachers, and saints. The philosophy classes helped bring together this vast body of knowledge into one cohesive whole.
     I see my priesthood, the Christian life, the whole world in a different light because of my years at Franciscan. The school is always in my prayers.