PROVIDENCE — Deacon Lukasz Willenberg has always loved the sea, so it’s quite providential that God called the young Polish-born seminarian to minister to the people of the Ocean State.
Deacon Willenberg, who had plans to become a professional sailor, admitted that he was initially scared to pursue his priestly vocation. He found encouragement, however, in the words of the late Pope John Paul II.
“I always knew God was calling but I was afraid,” he said, adding that the late pontiff’s hallmark inspirational message “Do not be afraid” – gave him the courage to overcome his fears and enter the seminary.
Deacon Willenberg said that he is happy to be serving God in Rhode Island.
“I love it here,” he added. “From the first moment I came here, I loved the beauty and uniqueness of every part of the state. People are great everywhere. They are amazing in every parish and every town.”
The ordinand emphasized that it is both a “powerful and humbling” experience to be able to pray and listen to those suffering and their loved ones during difficult times.
“The beauty of being a priest is that you are with people during the most important moments of their lives,” he observed. “It is so beautiful. They recognize you as a priest and recognize the presence of God through you.”
One of the challenges he sees as a new priest is to keep youth involved in parish life and bring back those who have fallen away from the Catholic Church.
“They treat confirmation as a graduation from the church,” he lamented.
Another challenge will be to encourage Catholics of all ages to support and apply church teachings to their everyday lives and not drop their Catholic faith at the church door.
Deacon Willenberg said he was privileged to minister during his diaconate year to the parishioners of St. Martin de Porres Church in Warren, Michigan, not far from SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, where he studied for the priesthood. While serving as a deacon, he preached, witnessed marriages, baptized infants, ministered to youth and visited the sick.
“I was always amazed by the welcome I received,” Deacon Willenberg said, “They never made me feel like an outsider.”
As a new priest, he said that he is looking forward to working with a pastor who will be a “mentor” and help him learn the practical aspects of running a parish. He also hopes to gain the trust of parishioners, who will confide in him and seek his prayerful counsel.
“When they trust in you, they come to you as a priest and representative of the church,” he concluded.
