Following is the “Meet a Reader” feature that appears in the current print edition of The Catholic Post.
How you know me:
In May 2017 I was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Peoria and serve as both Deacon and Business Manager for the four churches in Logan County. I am the oldest of 6 (5 boys and 1 girl). I was born in Mt. Lebanon, PA (a suburb of Pittsburgh) and grew up in Ohio and I am a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan. This year my wife Brenda and I will celebrate our 37th anniversary. We have two sons, one married and living in East Providence, Rhode Island, and one living in Lincoln. We were blessed to add our first grandchild to our family just two months ago; his name is Lincoln.
Why I love reading:
My parents were a huge influence on me and I think for that reason I have always loved reading. I love to learn, and I am wired in such a way that it is important for me to know the background (who, what, where and how) of something to better understand the why.
What I’m reading now:
I am currently reading The Case for Jesus by Dr. Brant Pitre, Interior Freedom by Fr. Jacques Philippe, and The Battle for Leyte Gulf: The Incredible Story of World War II’s Largest Naval Battle, by C. Vann Woodward. I also just completed two books on World War I (A World Undone and The World Remade) written by G. J. Meyer. In The Case for Jesus and Interior Freedom, I am able to learn and to grow in my faith and in my relationship with Jesus Christ which is by far the most important thing that I can do. Sadly, the history of the world and war are intertwined, and it is through these books that I gain a greater understanding of the why (why war? why this battle? why this general or admiral? etc.…etc…). I also enjoy reading about the key men and women involved and the decision-making processes that they used and finally the valor of those who fought the battles.
My favorite book:
The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier and Korean War Hero by Travis Heying and The Grunt Padre, The Service and Sacrifice of Fr. Vincent Robert Capodanno, Vietnam 1966-1967 by Fr. Daniel Mode.
These two books address the heroic virtues of two men – both of whom have been declared “Servants of God” – who volunteered to serve as Catholic Chaplains in combat, one in Korea and the other in Vietnam. They are my favorites because they address both the relationships these men had with Jesus Christ and with the men whom they served on the field of battle. Both books address the historical aspects of battles that each man participated in and further addressed how these men made the Sacraments and themselves available to the men they served and how each Priest gave their life for others. Everything I love about reading is wrapped up in these two books. And reading The Grunt Padre was meaningful for me because Fr. Capodanno and my Uncle were friends and served as Chaplains together in Vietnam.