While entering into the priesthood is on a decline nationally, one local family is helping reverse that trend in Milwaukee. Three brothers will be ordained priests after Saturday, June 4th — as the final Strand brother is set to be ordained.
FOX6 News sat down with the brothers to talk about how rare this is — three priests in one family.
“There’s a combination of a very, very deep peace with a lot of excitement,” said Vincent Strand.
In less than 24 hours, Vincent Strand will be an ordained priest. Following in not one, but two of his brother’s footsteps.
“People are always quite surprised naturally. This is very rare to have three brothers who are all ordained priests,” said Father Jacob Strand.
Father Jacob Strand was ordained four years ago.
“I’m very excited for him. I remember my ordination day very, very fondly. It truly was one of the greatest days of my life if not the greatest day,” said Father Jacob Strand.
I think their parents did something right—but the story, unfortunately, doesn’t go into that important aspect of these men’s lives.
UPDATE: A reader helpfully pointed me to this story, which has more details. Snip:
Deacon Strand credits his brothers for the gift of a great example.
“When they began to respond to their vocations, I was always impressed by how fulfilling their lives seemed,” he said. “My sister has also offered a great example of hope in helping me to trust in St. Paul’s words that ‘love never fails.’”
While Deacon Strand can’t pinpoint an exact moment that he heard God’s call, he said God had been quietly working in his life for many years, molding and nudging him along until it was the appropriate time.
…His faith-filled family nourished his openness to God’s call, as evidenced by the three religious vocations. Whether it was praying grace before meals, attending Mass together or volunteering at St. Bruno Parish, the family did it together and integrated their Catholic faith into everyday life.
“My parents consistently offered us four children unconditional, parental love,” Deacon Strand said. “I think that this struck us as a beautiful way to live and so we naturally tried to reciprocate this love. This formed a very close, caring family that was open to the One who is Love. In this way, the grace of God was hidden within the very fabric of our family. Family life offered me a great experience of true communion.”
Several years ago, Vincent Strand reflected on his vocation as a Jesuit in the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4L6wyky4zE