Archbishop of Louisville

I began this story conscious that a lot of people would like to know how one becomes an archbishop. Unlike becoming a priest, you don't apply — you just do it when you're told to. So my story about my vocation has to begin with the beginning, the time when I decided to study to be a priest and figured out what I might want that to look like.

I have never thought of myself as a particularly bright or thoughtful kid, probably because I went to an all-scholarship school in New York where practically everybody was smarter than I, but I do know that when I came to deciding about my future life I exercised very good judgment. It surprises me in looking back that I had that resource inside myself. At fourteen I had narrowed my interests down to priest, lawyer, teacher, or some combination thereof. It took only another year or so to know that the priesthood was what I wanted, so I began reading everything I could get my hands on. I did not have the benefit of a priest connection, like a relative or friend, so I was probably pretty idealistic in my approach, but there was plenty of vocational material to read, and I took to that process happily enough. I wrote away to anyone who advertised, and soon I had bushels of material to plow through.

I don't know where my selection criteria came from, but when I read the literature on priesthood in the Dominican Order, I was absolutely hooked and never thought seriously about other options. I wrote to express interest in the Dominicans around 16, formally applied at 17, and was accepted, sight unseen, never having met a Dominican in my life. Looking back, I find those steps etched in clarity. I never have been more sure about anything in my life!

In reporting my vocation to the Dominicans, I do not in any way deprecate the diocesan priesthood. In fact, as bishop, I continue to be awestruck by the love these men have for the people they serve, by their deep faith and by their generous obedience. I am very proud now to be a member of the college of priests of the Archdiocese of Louisville. They are the voice and heart of Christ speaking God's word to his people. I feel very blessed to be a part of both worlds, the Dominican and diocesan clergy.

Thomas C. Kelly, O.P., Archbishop of Louisville