By Tony Oleck, Singer/songwriter/seminarian
When people hear that I’m studying for the priesthood, one of their first questions is, “Wait…doesn’t that mean you can’t have sex? Is that possible?” Well, if one is a product of THIS world, no, it is not; sex is seen as a necessary life function in this culture. We don’t have to look far to see the negative consequences of the sexual revolution, as sexual advertisements are as countless as McDonald’s.
Thankfully, this world didn’t raise me.
Thankfully, I was raised in a family that values other things rather than the sexual immorality of pop-culture: Christ, the Church, family…and Taco Bell. I was taught early on to “guard my heart.” In nearly everything I did growing up, I was taught limits and boundaries. I was very blessed to receive such an early formation, and the ability to refer back to the words of my mother and father and the values that had been instilled in me from a young age.
But these “Angel on the shoulder” reminders aren’t all it takes to live a chaste and pure life. Trust me, it is not that easy. There are so many times in my life when I have been tempted to cross that un-retraceable line. Even as a seminarian, my greatest weakness is (are you ready?) girls. It’s true; woman was one of God’s most beautiful and deadly creations, in the heart of a man. In high school, I was blessed to date some of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever known. This also allowed for a greater opportunity for sin. The key to a chaste life for me personally has consisted of two major elements. First, rather than seeing chastity as something I constantly have to monitor, to keep myself from crossing ‘that line,’ I see chastity as a natural aspect of my life. It is no longer about “How far should I go?” but rather about, “Do my thoughts and actions testify to the type of person I want people to see me as?”
Secondly, it takes constant guidance from others who have gone before me to give me the strength. The first source of inspiration comes from Saint Maria Goretti. I began carrying a picture of her in my wallet, in order to remind me to stay pure. The second person I turn to is the Blessed Mother. In Alexander De Rouville’s book The Imitation of Mary, he writes of the Blessed Virgin, “Like a delicate flower, purity tears the least breeze. A glance, even a single glance, and it is on guard.” If you’re looking for a good book, The Imitation of Mary is gold. Even as a seminarian I have my struggles. Everywhere I turn there are beautiful women! My Blessed Mother helps me appreciate their beauty in a pure and holy way. Remember, Our Lady will always watch over her children and help them to maintain their purity.
Biography:
Tony Oleck is a singer/songwriter and beginning his first year as a seminarian for the Congregation of Holy Cross at the University of Notre Dame. He has produced one solo album, has played at many venues and retreats and is getting ready for his first cross-country tour summer of 2011. Check Tony out on myspace (www.myspace.com/tonyoleckmusic), Twitter (www.twitter.com/tonyoleck), and become a fan of his music page on Facebook. You can also read his blog titled “Trash Talk” at www.tonyoleck.blogspot.com.