by Jessica Easthope
WESTFIELD, N.J. — Step by step, 13-year-old Dominic Auricchio is carving out a life of service.
At St. Helen Church in Westfield, New Jersey, he is an altar server and buddy for the parish’s inclusive Masses for people of all ages with disabilities. One day, he wants to be up on the altar celebrating Mass himself.
“I was thinking I’ll join the Marines when I’m 18 and leave when I’m 23 so that I can become a priest,” Auricchio said.
Recently, Auricchio detailed his desire to be a priest in a video and essay that won him the Cardinal Joseph Tobin Award for Priestly Vocations.
How a 13-year-old became so sure of his calling? The path wasn’t always smooth.
“My last seizure was March 3rd I think,” Auricchio said.
“Dominic had five seizures very close together, and one of his last one that he had, we were in the hospital for seven days,” his mother, Maria, said.
A slew of health issues brought on a boost in Auricchio’s prayer life. A few years ago, after discovering a large mass in his brain, a vision of the Blessed Mother sent any doubt running.
“She told me, that everything would be fine,” he said.
“A week later, I get a phone call from the doctor saying that they came back and the mass was shrinking and there was no reason to move forward with the surgery. It was literally like 7 to 8 days later,” Maria Auricchio said.
Dominic’s mom Maria and his pastor, Monsignor Thomas Nydegger, both say there’s something divine at work in the young boy.
For now, he’s playing it by ear, but with the support of his family and parish community, the possibilities are endless.
“Something’s happening and why not a miracle? Why not call it that?” Monsignor Nydegger said.
“God told me to be a priest, and that was it. And he has never changed his mind,” Monsignor Nydegger. “And honestly, I would be honored to be the mother of a priest,” Maria Auricchio said.
A talented ice hockey player, Dominic Auricchio’s goal is to be a regular kid with extraordinary faith.
It’s a dream he won’t let slip away.