How does a young seminarian born in Wisconsin, educated in Tennessee and whose parents live in South Carolina end up preparing for priesthood in the Philadelphia Archdiocese? When Tom Whittingham attended graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, he met Father Chuck Pfeffer, the Chaplain of the Newman Center. Father Chuck was instrumental in helping Tom realize the value and depth of his faith and spirituality through reflection and time spent in Adoration.

Tom considers God’s love for us in the Eucharist a gift. He is always there waiting for us; whether we visit Him on a regular basis or drift away for a time. "He is always there, waiting". Whether we bring Him our best moments or our most difficult struggles, He is available for us.

J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote that "Out of the darkness of my life, so much frustrated, I put before you the one great thing to love on earth: the Blessed Sacrament … there you will find romance, glory, honour, fidelity and the true way of all your loves on earth." Tom believes that sometimes we are too busy to realize that we are too busy. Time spent before the Blessed Sacrament praying and reading the sacred scriptures allows us "escape time" and provides us with spiritual fuel that will sustain us as we go about our everyday responsibilities.

This has been an unsettling time for Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Tom stated that he as a Seminarian is saddened beyond words at the situation that has unfolded. Yet he looks to the future with hope. He has gained so much from his apostolic rotations at the Seminary. He has seen people much like Jesus, helpless, bearing their crosses and yet they welcome him into their lives and share their real world. It is humbling. This is what brings him joy … the time spent with people. He looks forward to life after Ordination when through his ministry he can bring Christ to His people.

Spring 2011