Eran Amarasingha recently completed his time as a seminarian-intern at Saint Benedict Parish, so we wanted to follow up with him on his experience here.

How was your time at Saint Benedict Parish different from what you had expected?
ERAN: A couple of things come to mind. First, it was amazing to see the inner workings of Saint Benedict Parish. I was able to see how passionate the many staff members and parishioners are about bringing the parish’s vision to life. Their level of involvement in the parish leadership and ministries is beyond what I expected. Second, I didn’t expect how much of an impact Saint Benedict Parish is having not only in the Catholic Church in Canada, but also all over the world. The parish is reaching out to so many people across the globe, and in many ways it is on the forefront of the parish renewal movement in the universal Church.

Are you now an expert in all things Nova Scotian?
This was my first time coming to Atlantic Canada, and though I wouldn’t call myself an expert, I did really enjoy my time here, and I learned a lot as well. I think the most impressive thing on the list is that I learned how to de-shell a lobster. However, one thing I was not able to figure out was how the rotary actually works. But from what I gathered, most Haligonians don’t know how it works either, so I don’t feel that bad.

Can you share a way that you saw God at work in our parish?
God is constantly drawing people to himself through Saint Benedict Parish. I was able to witness many people discover Jesus for the first time at Alpha. Also, there are many people going deeper and growing in their faith through Life Groups. I’ve seen so many lives transformed through many ministries and events at the parish. God is definitely on the move at Saint Benedict Parish.

What is the biggest lesson you’re taking away from your time at Saint Benedict Parish? 
I learned how to lead by raising up other leaders. There is only
so much that a single person can do, no matter how talented or experienced he or she might be. But if you raise up other leaders around you and support them, God can accomplish a lot more through all of you. I’ve seen this first hand in the way Fr. Simon and Fr. Alex lead the parish. This is the type of pastor that I would like to be when I grow up.

What was the most important thing you learned from our priests?
I’ve learned how to be a good leader, a good speaker, and a good pastor. They manage to do so much and also have fun at the same time. As a priest, especially a Companions of the Cross priest, being able to balance your ministry life, your community life, and your own spiritual life is very important. If you slack off in one, it’s going to show in the others. Fr. Simon and Fr. Alex are great examples for me in how to manage a good balance between these.

How are you feeling about your vocation to the priesthood?
I’m really excited about being a priest. I heard God’s call louder than ever during my internship here at Saint Benedict Parish. Even though the Church is facing so many challenges right now, from priest shortages to scandals and everything in between, and even though the ever-so-secular world seems all the more hostile to Jesus and the Gospel right now, it is a great time to be a priest. And I would even dare to say that it is precisely because of the dire situation in the Church and in the world right now that it is such a great time to be a priest! It is in times like these that we especially need good and holy priests, and it is in times like these that God raises up saints. And by the grace of God, I want to be that.

Will you be back to visit the parish sometime in the future?
I would definitely like to be back, perhaps for a summer break in the future. I’ve made too many friends here to not be back! And maybe after I get ordained, I could be placed here at some point, which would be very exciting!

Do you have any advice or final thoughts to share with parishioners?I’m very grateful for the love, hospitality and generosity that I’ve received from all of you here. From the very moment I arrived, I’ve felt at home here. I’ve made so many great friends and so many great memories here that I will take with me. You’ve all been such a huge blessing in my life. I’ve learned so much from you as well. Please keep me in your prayers. So long, and thanks for all the fish!

Thank you Eran! We look forward to having you back with us sometime, whether it’s just for a visit, or maybe as our associate pastor, perhaps!