‘My life had a new horizon.’

Dec. 1, 2023

By Father William Nyce, Diocese of Arlington

Dec. 1, 2023

Thirteen years ago, as a 20-year-old college student, I had an experience in confession that changed my life. After years away from the sacrament, I went into the confessional weighed down with anxiety, fear and guilt. I left with an overwhelming experience of the mercy of God, of the pure grace of Jesus Christ. I literally felt lighter.

While discernment of a priestly vocation came later — with a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the counsel of wise priests and years of seminary — I knew then that my life had “a new horizon and a decisive direction,” to use the words of Pope Benedict XVI.

I have now been a priest for four years, and I see clearly how the Lord summarized my vocation in that experience. A priest’s work has great variety, from hearing confessions to anointing the dying to marriage counseling; what unites it is expressed by St. Paul: “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor 5:18). My constant joy is to share this grace of reconciliation with others.

Father William Nyce
Diocese of Arlington
Father Widmer Council 7877
Stafford, Virginia

Father Christopher Murphy, Diocese of Providence.

‘My life had a new horizon.’

Related Articles

Vocations

‘A vocation is discovered within community.’

‘A vocation is discovered within community.’

Vocations

‘I invited him into every aspect of my life.’

‘I invited him into every aspect of my life.’

Vocations

‘I marvel at the work of God’s grace.’

‘I marvel at the work of God’s grace.’

Vocations

‘Jesus crucified does not disappoint.’

‘Jesus crucified does not disappoint.’

Vocations

‘I am building God’s kingdom.’

‘I am building God’s kingdom.’

Vocations

‘God spoke to my deepest desires.’

‘God spoke to my deepest desires.’

Vocations

‘I felt something had changed. I was not the same.’

‘I felt something had changed. I was not the same.’

Vocations

‘They showed me the face of Christ.’

‘They showed me the face of Christ.’