Fr. Tom Acklin

Fr. Tom Acklin has been one of the two priests who have had the most impact on my own spirituality and ministry (the other being Bishop Gregory Mansour). I first met Fr. Tom in late August 1991when I entered St. Vincent Seminary, where he was serving as rector. I expected the head of the seminary to be aloof and unapproachable. Fr. Tom quickly squashed that notion! My classmates and I soon developed a close relationship with him. He even joined us for extracurricular adventures - like the hike where we were warned by the state police not to go on the

other side of the road because a dangerous criminal was on the loose ( I guess criminals – unlike chickens – don’t cross the road!) and an evening of fine dining at Pechin’s in Dunbar.

What most impressed me about Fr. Tom, however, was not his approachability, but his deep spirituality. The more time I spent in his company the more it became obvious that this was a man who had a vibrant relationship with God. And what he had I wanted! To that end, I have had the honor of having him as my spiritual director since my ordination. From him I have truly learned that priesthood is about surrendering myself completely to God and giving myself away completely in the service of others; self-emptying love is the name of the game. (Now I just need to put into practice that invaluable lesson!) Above all, his kindness, gentleness, and quiet wisdom have really incarnated Jesus in my life. I hope that his example is helping me to do the same in the lives of the people I serve.