Looking sickly really paid off for Father Les Schmidt. For many years, he fought his calling to the priesthood. Every time someone suggested it, he turned away.
When he was in junior high, he took a trip with other young men from his church. They visited the Cincinnati-based Missionaries of the Precious Blood, who served predominantly in Africa.
“We were going there for an interview, but at that time, the polio epidemic was very big,” said Father Les, who was very thin and pale as a youngster. “They took one look at me and told me to get back on the bus. I didn’t even get an interview. I was completely dejected and also totally elated that I did not have to become a priest.”
But God had other plans for the young man from a rural Ohio farming town.
Read the rest at the Home Mission Stories blog.
Home Mission Stories is a blog dedicated to telling the story of Glenmary. It is an offshoot of Glenmary Challenge magazine, which also shares Glenmary’s story with the nation.