Rev. Nicholas R. Waseline, OSFS
First Profession:
August 18, 1970
Final Profession:
September 2, 1977
Ordination:
June 14, 1980
Ministries:
Faculty / Assistant Principal / Principal, Father Judge High School; Novice Master; Parochial Vicar, St. Joachim, Holy Redeemer by the Sea; Principal, Northeast Catholic High School; Pastor, St. Anthony of Padua
Present Ministry:
Coordinator for the Chapter of the Whole Religious-in-Charge
Pastor – St. Anthony of Padua Parish – Wilmington, DE
Pope Francis initiated a Year of Consecrated Life; what is your understanding of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience?
Pathways of living the Gospel authentically, especially the two great commandments.
Of the three vows, which do you see most connecting you to the people you serve?
Obedience: Listening to the people as the voice of God so as to fulfill my role as a “servant pastor.”
What gift do you see the Oblates, as religious men, bringing to the church and world?
“Non-clericalism” – A willingness, in the words of Pope Francis, “to smell like the sheep,” and experience synergy with the flock of the Lord.
How does your commitment to a religious community impact your life?
It defines my life. It challenges me to “inspect” my motives.
What is your greatest hope for religious life in the church?
That it finds its voice as a prophetic Gospel call to the world – prophetic in the sense of speaking the Truth.
What has been a surprise for you as you have lived as a religious?
Nothing is forever! Never say never!
What excites you most about Pope Francis?
The jury is still out. However, I am optimistic because I believe he is the kind of leader the Church today needs. My concern is that his popularity has clouded his teaching.
