Drew Mariani sat down with Msgr. James Shea, president of the University of Mary, for an invigorating conversation on Pope Leo XIV, young Catholics, vocations, and the bright horizon of the Church’s future. It was clear from the start: hope is alive, and the next generation is stepping up.
They reflected on how popes have shaped youth engagement over the past few decades. St. John Paul II drew millions with his charisma and magnetic energy—just think of that five-million-strong crowd in the Philippines. Pope Benedict XVI, though quieter, still captivated young people with his gentle brilliance and clear intellect. Then came Pope Francis, whose energy and pastoral presence struck another chord entirely. Now Pope Leo is emerging with his own unique voice, already speaking directly to young people as if they matter now—not just someday. His message is clear, warm, and rooted in the here and now.
Looking ahead, the next World Youth Day is set for August 27 in Seoul, South Korea. Msgr. Shea and Drew encouraged listeners to mark their calendars and maybe even start saving those airline miles. And in the meantime, something special is already underway at the University of Mary: a group of 150 high school students are preparing for a pilgrimage to Italy. The twist? It’s a phone-free pilgrimage. Two full weeks without screens, just prayer, community, and the eager anticipation of seeing Pope Leo in person. The teens are especially excited because, like them, he’s from the Midwest.
The conversation then turned to vocations. The average age at which young men typically begin to consider the priesthood is 16. An astonishing 89% of priests say they were first encouraged by someone who simply saw something in them. It could be a parent, a friend, a teacher, or even a grandma. That quiet encouragement, that nudge, can be the spark of something eternal. Msgr. Shea shared that his own vocation was first sparked in third grade. He didn’t pursue it right away, but later in high school, he rediscovered the call—thanks to joyful and faithful priests who simply loved well and lived their vocations authentically.
For those thinking about the priesthood, Msgr. Shea had some simple, wise advice. Talk to a priest. Just start the conversation. Explore the different paths: diocesan life versus religious orders. And, most importantly, spend time with Jesus. Go to adoration. Pray the Rosary. Read Scripture. Let the Lord speak to your heart in the quiet.
Looking toward the future of priestly life, Msgr. Shea imagines a return to community—a shift away from isolated rectories to small brotherhoods of priests living, praying, and working together. The benefits are spiritual and practical. Priests are human too. They need support, friendship, and accountability. He encouraged the faithful to love their priests well, to invite them to dinner, and to recognize the quiet sacrifices they make every day.
And for those interested in visiting the University of Mary this summer, he extended a warm welcome. Bismarck in June is heaven, he said. Details can be found at CometoMary.life.
Msgr. Shea left listeners with a challenge and a reminder: if you know a young person who might have a vocation, say something. Ask the question. Offer the encouragement. Your words might be part of God’s plan for raising up the next great saint.