Dakota Lane

Year in Seminary: 2nd Year of College Seminary
Age: 19
Home Parish(es): Christ on the Mountain

At what point in your life did your faith come alive? How did this happen?
There are so many times that I could mention, but none can compare to my experience at a ”Fan into Flame” retreat and another retreat that we go on as first year seminarians. Up to that point, I had never experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in such a tangible and captivating way. It was a ”stirring into flame” the gifts of the Holy Spirit that St. Paul talks about.

What was one of the most important things that helped you take the step into seminary?
Seeing that seminarians are normal guys who can actively and radically live out their faith, while remaining personable and all around great guys.

What do you enjoy most about the seminary?
With out hesitation I can say that the thing I enjoy most is the structure. It is a busy and rigorous schedule which forces me to really make an effort to cling to our Beloved Lord, because it can be so easy to be swept up in the busyness of our life, but through His grace we can come to see Him loving us in everything.

What would be your one piece of advice for a young man discerning his vocation?
PRAY PRAY PRAY. We must completely abandon ourselves into the mercy of the Lord that when we come to meet Him in prayer He can tell what He wills for us to do. Rely on His grace and the Holy Spirit to discern His will, and be very very generous in whatever He tells you.

Describe your relationship with the Blessed Mother.
My relationship with our Mother is one of complete abandonment and love. Most times I get to a point where the battle for His kingdom begins to overwhelm me, and so at that point I can throw myself into Her arms and she will hold my hand and walk me back to the Lord with Her great virtue and prayers.

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