Inspired by JPII: Seminarian Jason Adams

Theology II at Pontifical North American College, Rome
Projected Ordination Year: 2012

Home Parish: St. Theresa, Cordele, Ga.



Jason Adams said it was a chain of events that brought him to where he is today a first-year seminarian at Mount St. Mary's in Emmitsburg, MD. The 22-year-old from Cordele, GA recently graduated from Valdosta State University, and had planned to go into politics. But last year, after spending time with a seminarian friend and after the death of John Paul II he began to move his focus away from his plans for his life towards the plans God had for him.

"I majored in political science," said Jason. "Early on, I thought I was called to serve that way in a political way, like being a Senator. I kept telling myself that being involved in politics is what God wanted me to do."

Jason said it was the death of the Holy Father that sparked a desire in him to more for God. "I thought 'we just lost one more holy man,'" he said. "Then it hit me - I'd been doing what I wanted to do and not what God wanted me to do."

After that, Jason talked to a priest at the student center at Valdosta State, and soon met Fr. Tim and Fr. Brett at a Vocations retreat.

Jason said his time so farat The Mount has been an incredible experience. "I like the brotherhood," said Jason, "and the academics. We are getting good formation, they prepare you here well."

He added that he and Fr. Brett are both easily identifiable at the seminary because of their Southern accents.

Jason said the most important aspect of praying about becoming a priest is the act of putting God in control, and working from there.

"Every man, at some point in his life, needs to evaluate where God wants him, not 'where do you see yourself,'" said Jason. "It's never too late to patiently listen to what the Lord has planned for you, and not what are you telling the Lord."