By: Jason Songe, Seminarian, Archdiocese of New Orleans
Putting On The New Man is a series of the NDS Blog that will introduce the new faces you see in the seminary.
ALLEN-MICHAEL MUENCH
My name is Allen-Michael Muench and I am a first year theologian studying for the Diocese of Dallas. Our Blessed Mother is one of my favorite saints and recently I’ve been drawn to St. Maria Gorretti’s story. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is my favorite movie–though that might be a little cheap since it’s three movies. If I had to pick one I would choose the Fellowship of the Ring. I think my favorite Scripture passage is Romans 8:15: “For you were not given a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear rather a spirit of adoption to cry out ‘Abba! Father!'” I want to be a priest because I desire to share the love of God as a priest does through the sacraments and give my life to a larger community than the traditional family. I love Fulton Sheen’s Treasure in Clay. Quite possibly the most interesting thing that’s happened to me is that I was called to lay a foundation for a mission and fight for souls in Scotland for a year. In seven words or less this is my vocation story: “Restless heart until it rested in You.” My favorite hobbies and interests include playing guitar, board games and watching/playing tennis. I’m also interested in writing– though I’ve only more recently begun this.
FREDDY RODRIGUEZ
Howdy, I’m Freddy Rodriguez, a Fightin’ Texas Aggie, and I’m from Garland, TX, and have lived in various places throughout Texas over the past few years, from Dallas, to Houston, and of course, College Station, TX. A few quirks about me: The Dark Knight is probably one of my all-time favorite movies. My favorite scripture verse is John 16:33. I really enjoyed reading The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics, by Raphael Brown, a book which helps to showcase the life of our Lady as seen by various mystics. Some hobbies include: watching and playing sports, in particular college football(Gig ’em, Aggies!) and playing rugby. I am also a car fanatic and love researching and reading about the new model vehicles coming out. Last but not least, I’m a huge nerd and love watching anime, such as Dragon Ball, Gundam and many more! When asked about my vocation story, the best way to describe it would be: “BOOM! Holy Spirit!” I never thought I would find myself in New Orleans. Yet, the Lord in his providence brings me to this great city. After running away from the call for many years, I came to realization that my heart would be restless until it rested in the Lord and what I believe he made me for. As I attended a Mass of thanksgiving for a friend of mine who was just ordained a priest, I found my heart swelling with joy, realizing that after all this time, my heart still wanted this. I want to be the one that says, “This is my body,” to say “I absolve you of your sins,” to baptize, and to prepare a soul for death. Pray for me as I begin this journey. You will most assuredly be in my prayers. God bless you!
WILLIAM WHITLOW
My name is William Whitlow, but I go by Will. I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to begin studying in Pre-Theology I for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Throughout my time growing up I always wound up being the one that would help with any technical issues, and from this, a great love of computers began to develop. I eventually went on to study Computer Science at Georgia Tech. It was in High School though where I really connected with my Faith, in two ways. The first was a deep encounter with Christ in the Eucharist. It was a remarkable moment that inflamed my heart with love for the Mass and when I first felt God calling me towards the priesthood. The other was connecting with my confirmation saint, who is St. Francis of Assisi. This gave me a great chance to grow in the understanding of what it meant to live life loving God. All of this would continue through college, where through many struggles and relying on the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel I was able to grow further in my Faith. There were many moments that helped me grow: reading The Screwtape Letters or God or Nothing, but the most interesting was when Divine Providence signed me up for a Holy Hour which completely changed my approach to college. I had filled out all the information to volunteer for a Holy Hour, but at the last moment decided not to submit it, however, when I got back to my dorm I no longer had the sheet of paper with me, so I decided if I received an email I would volunteer for a Holy Hour. I received an email a week later and having seen the influence that has had over the past 5 years, I am so thankful to God for that gift. Considering these moments in which God has nudged me to consider seminary, I like to describe my vocation story succinctly as “God calling and awaiting a response.” My last year of college was a wild ride, especially considering the emergence of COVID-19, as such, I like to sit with Luke 8:22-25. It is the passage when the apostles are freaking out about the storm and Jesus is sleeping soundly. It always feels like an apt analogy for life. Everything is on fire, but God will provide! To show a little more humanity, I will conclude with the fact that my favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption. Whenever I see that movie playing on TV it is a serious battle of the will to not put 3 hours into watching it.
About the Author: Jason Songe, Seminarian, Archdiocese of New Orleans
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