George Howard

I lived ‘free,’ but deep down, I was a slave to my passions.

Before coming to Newman, I did not know how deep the faith could be. That fact still surprises me even today. I grew up Catholic but did not see what I had from the beginning. Church was annoying to me; I couldn’t pay attention during Mass, and I valued my friends over the Lord, but most of all, I valued my will higher than the Lord’s will for me. I thought I was answering his calls, but I never truly let go of myself until I came to Newman. Even as the Lord’s children, we can lose sight of the great gift we have been given, which is true because I did. For those who don’t know, I left the faith three years ago when the COVID-19 virus spread worldwide. I lived “free,” but deep down, I was a slave to my passions. ​

The spring retreat at Newman entirely called me back to faith and fidelity because I let go of my desires and myself. That is not easy for anyone, and it feels counterintuitive, but if you can, you will be truly free. Maybe you won’t fully understand right now what I mean, but if you keep coming to Newman, you will, I guarantee it. If I may impart any wisdom that I have learned from Newman, it is always to remain humble, always build virtue, always pray often, and most importantly, always trust in the Lord. I now do my best to live by these things: not only remain in the light of the Lord myself but serve, impart wisdom, and love those around me as the Lord requires. Fear and uncertainty will always grip us all, but many men wiser than me would say, “Do not be afraid!” So, I have one question: what will the Lord impart to you next at Newman? I cannot wait to find out, and may the Holy Ghost guide you all.