Fr. Jim Lowe
My name is Fr. Jim Lowe. I’m very excited to share with you some of the reasons why I chose to be a seminarian with the Companions of the Cross.
I lived in Houston for three years prior to entering seminary. I had the privilege of getting to know several Companions priests while living there. One of these priests was Fr. Francis Frankovich. Before I made the decision to visit the Companions, Fr. Francis Frankovich gave me the book “We Are Called to be Companions of the Cross.” This book was written by our founder, Fr. Bob Bedard, about 15 years ago. In the book, Fr. Bob points out many of the components of the vision of our community. While reading it, I couldn’t believe all the parallels between my own personal convictions, and Fr. Bob’s insights. Every section, I found myself thinking, “he’s right on!” In order to give you a better idea of why I chose this community, I thought it might be appropriate to share some of these basic principles that are at the foundation of who we are as a community, and who I have become.
The first principle I identified with was total surrender to the Lord. Prior to moving to Houston, I participated in a Cursillo. The theme was “Thy will be done.” From that weekend on, I found myself surrendering more and more to the will of God. He has taken me on a wild adventure that I never would have imagined. Before Cursillo, I was doing everything according to my will, and failing miserably at it! By the time I read Fr. Bob’s book, I could really identify with the need to surrender to God. Just as Fr. Bob has said so many times, we need to get out of the way and let the Lord do the rest.
The second principle I identified with was a true devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist. When I visited the Companions and found out that they have a Eucharistic Adoration chapel in every household, I was so excited! My most intimate encounters with the Lord occur during Mass and while I am in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. As a visitor to the community, I found such peace in knowing that I could go to the chapel any time and participate in Mass every day! I frequently visit the chapel in our house, especially when I need clarification on a difficult decision or simply need some down time with the Lord.
The third principle I identified with was an openness to the charisms of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Bob speaks specifically of the nine charisms in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12. I have always had an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life, but I never knew much about how He chooses to work through each of us to build up the Church. While on Cursillo, the Lord sent His Spirit upon all of us in a very powerful way. Some of the men were speaking in tongues, others were praising the Lord. Needless to say, this was my first real exposure to some of the charisms of the Spirit. Today, I believe the Holy Spirit wants each of us to be instruments of His gifts. I believe he wants to make a difference in the world by working through His people to increase faith, wisdom, and knowledge; to share prophetic words, to perform incredible healings, to work miracles, to speak in tongues and to interpret tongues. These are just a few of the many ways the Spirit wants to work through us. As a Companion, I have personally witnessed all of these manifestations. As father Bob points out in his book, these gifts are not for our personal benefit, but they are given to us to be shared. I am very grateful to be part of a community that is open to sharing these gifts with the rest of the world!
The fourth principle I identified with was a true devotion to Mary. After Cursillo, I began to appreciate Mary’s role more in my life. I realized that she gave birth to the Son of God! Who better to turn to in an effort to get to know Jesus than his very own mother? She has been a source of comfort and peace during some very difficult times. I continue to turn to her daily for her prayers. In the midst of the conflicts we face today throughout the world, I find an even greater need to ask Mary, Queen of Peace, to pray for peace in the midst of our broken humanity.
The fifth principle I identified with was faithfulness to the magisterial teachings of the Church. While I was in my undergraduate studies at Michigan State University, everything was relative to me. I believed what was convenient for me, and rejected what was inconvenient. Again, Cursillo gave me the fundamentals of Catholicism. I was convicted that I was not consistent when making moral decisions. In fact, without the grace of the Holy Spirit and the guidance and teachings of the Church, I would still be looking for happiness in whatever areas seemed most convenient to me on any particular day. What I didn’t realize then was that no instant pleasure can satisfy the longing in my heart that only God can fulfill. Today, I look to the wisdom of the Church to help guide my decisions, and I believe I am much better off as a result.
Finally, I could really identify with the call to evangelization. Again, after Cursillo, I had such a desire to spread the spirit of God to everyone. As a Life Teen youth Minister in Houston, I had a taste of the hunger people have for a personal encounter with the Lord. My heart particularly longs for leading teens closer to Christ. Naturally, when I realized that the Companions place ministry to the youth as a high priority, I was really excited.
These are only a few of many other ideals we strive toward living out as a community. I often hear the question, “why the priesthood? Can’t you do all these things and still have a family?” My answer is, “of course.” No matter what vocation a person is called to in life, these Catholic ideals can be lived out. Each one of us is called to be a companion of Christ’s Cross. However, God has called me to be a seminarian with the Companions of the Cross. He has asked me to make a commitment to follow Him and His desire for me within this community. He has chosen me by name to be part of this incredible group of men, and for this I am truly humbled and grateful.
As companions of the Cross, everything we do flows out of our shared life together. I have become who I am today through the grace of God and the encouragement and support of my brothers.
All Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen
