Breven Hamilton Seminarian Tuition Fund

Greetings! My name is Breven Hamilton and I am a Seminarian, studying for the Catholic priesthood, from British Columbia. I was baptized as a baby but I was not raised in the life of the Church. I fell in love with the Faith when I first walked into a Catholic Church at the age of 14. I was studying religion for my high school and I wanted to learn about the many different Christian denominations. Following this curiosity, one day I went to nearby St. Peter's Catholic Church in Nanaimo but the door was locked. The Church's Polish janitor opened the door and let me in. This man taught me about the Eucharist and about all of the miracles which had happened to them, and at this moment I knew in my heart I wanted to be a devout Catholic. It was from this point I started to feel the call to the priesthood, though it was only a whisper. As I got older, this call became more intense, and it felt as if I could do nothing but pursue the priesthood. But I didn't want to give up the life I had planned for myself. I was 20 years old, and in my first year of university, I knelt at my bedside and surrendered my will to the Lord. I just wanted to do His will, and at that moment I heard a voice say “I want you to be my priest.” An hour later, I dropped all of my courses and a few months later I quit my job, so I could radically follow God's plan. This call was further nourished while participating in the community of, and altar serving at, my home parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea Military Chapel in Victoria, BC. Now I am a 21 year old seminarian enrolled in Saint Philip's Seminary, Toronto. I have given up my possessions, sold my car, left my home behind and spent all my savings so I can study to become a priest. The Canadian Government is not giving out loans for the Seminary yet, as they are too slow in processing the institution's request. I was told I could get a loan eventually but it will not happen any time soon. I have been left with very limited funds. I don’t even have enough money to fly back home. Here, at the seminary I am able to help feed the poor, to teach children the Faith, and to really learn what it means to be a priest. I've been excelling in my study and made great friends with other seminarians. Finally, I am growing deeper in my Faith and love of the Lord. I am grateful for whatever financial help you can give. And I will keep you, as my benefactors, in my daily prayers. Thank you for your generosity.