Tell Me About It: You can go home

1. Thomas Wolfe said you can't go home. You just spent five years out of town, so is he right or wrong.

Actually, when I returned to Lima the first time [to lead the congregation at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church] I quoted Jesus who said, "A prophet is not welcome in his native place." I found that not to be the case at all. I think because I'm from here and I know so many people, that was an entrée unto itself.

That said, there are at times tough decisions that need to be made and that is harder when it's a place and people you know. But I've been able to do that without too much trouble. I am just really enjoying being back.

2. You've been a priest for 33 years. Was there a time you dreamed of doing something else?

It sounds odd maybe, but I've always wanted to be a priest, since I was a kid growing up at St. Gerard. I had two great-great-uncles who were priests ... who were a wonderful influence on me. I suppose everybody has a midlife crisis. I may have thought about other things, but I know this is where I belong.

3. Some people may not know that you're a really fine tenor. Do you ever fantasize about life on the stage?

I do, as a matter of fact. I love it. But really, there's not much of a difference between that and what I do.

4. On a more serious note, this is a presidential election year and many Catholics and other people of faith find themselves torn between two candidates who represent different elements of what would be considered primarily Catholic principles. How do you counsel people when they come to you?

Not many will come to me, to be quite honest. I think most of them have already made up their minds. Normally, the church does not stand behind any particular party, but we do address issues. I tell people they should be guided by the hierarchy of values, look at the totality of the candidate, how he addresses issues and how he will ultimately impact society,

5. After five years being away from Lima, what did you miss most.

I'd have to say my family and friends in town. I did not get the opportunity to get back as often as I would have liked. I also miss the arts here, and the ability to get involved in the arts and in service clubs.

The other thing I really want to return to is ecumenical sharing. We had a wonderful relationship with [the] Rev. Lamont Monfort and Philippian [Baptist Church] ... and other churches. He would come preach at St. Charles and I would go there. ... I would really like to continue some of that.

6. Finally, the last and toughest question. You grew up at St. Gerard and have now served at St. Charles, St. John and St. Rose. So which church is the best?

When people ask me that I say I'll answer that question when you tell me who you love more, your mother or your father. I don't think one is any better than the other ... they are each unique. See, that wasn't a hard question at all.