By David Karas, Correspondent
For Nicholas Alescio, the desire to become a priest first arrived during his college years. After a period when he wasn’t active in his faith, a roommate encouraged him to attend Mass and Confession.
He was later invited to a priestly discernment retreat organized by the Diocese of Worcester, Mass., where his observations of the priests there sparked something inside of him. “The simple, joyful witness of the priests and seminarians really struck me. I felt an immense desire to associate with them and be among the ranks of the priests,” he said. “There was a simple, quiet confidence that God granted me on that retreat. I was convicted – more convicted than I had ever been in my life – that he was calling me to pursue seminary formation.”
As Alescio, 27, prepares for his Ordination as a deacon, he is filled with peace and an eagerness to share his love of God with others.
“It brings me great peace knowing that I am following the Lord’s call for my life,” he said, “and it helps me persevere through some of the more challenging times – knowing that God is going to make it all work out in the end, according to his plan.”
Alescio was born in Red Bank to Michael and Catherine Alescio. The family, which includes his two siblings, Michael and Christine, were long-time members of Nativity Parish, Fair Haven. Nicholas graduated from area public schools, including Rumson-Fair Haven High School in Rumson. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass. Following his college graduation, he entered Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md.
Alescio has participated in summer ministry experiences in St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor; St. Michael Parish, West End; St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, and St. Paul Parish, Princeton.
As part of the Ordination Rite, Father Chris Picollo, pastor of Alescio’s home parish, Nativity, will vest him in the garments of his new office. Alescio will serve his diaconal year assignment in Visitation Parish, Brick.
Looking forward to the year to come, Alescio is most excited about serving at the altar and preaching during Mass. “It is a tremendous privilege to share with God’s people the fruits of my seminary formation, especially through the medium of the liturgical homily,” he said. “In my experience, people are really hungering for the Scriptures. They want to know what they mean and who Jesus is portrayed to be.”
As he continues his preparation for his Ordination to the priesthood next year, Alescio looks forward to sharing with others the role God has played in shaping his life and guiding him on his vocational path.
“I want nothing more than for everyone to know just how loved they are by God and the goodness of his plan for their lives,” said Alescio. “It is only through Jesus Christ that man finds his deepest fulfillment. In short, I want to spend my life as his priest communicating that reality to the world.”