The Making of a Catholic Priest | Official Film

From his Arkansas upbringing, to his military experience, through his vocational ascent, Fr. Stephen Gadberry shares his trials, tragedy, and ultimate joy, answering Christ’s call to engage the culture and spread the Gospel message.

[williammatheny]

I celebrate my 26th anniversary of priesthood ordination on Wednesday, June 1. I needed to watch this movie for my continued spiritual formation and renewal. As an Army veteran, thank you for your military service and thank you for your vocation story.

[jomontales]

“There are some things in life that you have to do because Love requires it.” - Father Stephen Gadberry

[ericmunoz]

I need a lot of conversion before going to the seminary. About 5 years ago I planned on going to the seminary but the world corrupted me and now I am back hoping I can just restore my relationship with God the way it was. Through my suffering truly realized that the world can never give me life. I beg you all to pray for me for my vocation.

[srroselina]

I´ve loved your heart father! I'm a Catholic nun and you have just enlightened my way of living. Thank you for opening your insightful life to us. Just marvellous. Thankyou!!

[hollyw.]

I'm from Wynne, AR and have known Stephen my whole life. My mom was his moms best friend. I've been to their little farm house more times than I can count. I dearly love this family. Stephen is an awesome man, and turned into a great Priest and Man of God ❤

[LawrenceSYIGA]

Proud to be your classmate, i joined seminary in 2008, 5th September, was ordained a priest in 2016, 13th August, this has made me happy... Fr. Lawrence, Uganda.

[samanthamurphy]

Father Stephen is my Priest. He's amazing. He really helped me when I lost my son in 2020. Definitely my favorite Priest ever.

[michaelsaccomando]

As Catholics and as a people, we need more videos and stories like this. We are inundated with stories of celebrities and sports figures; we need to hear from more religious and those discerning the religious life. A truly powerful account of one priest’s journey. I wish I would have had the opportunity to witness such a story when I was discerning religious life 35 years ago. Thank you for putting this video out.

[DMServant]

Just received my pre-liminary application. Keep me in your prayers. Thank you for sharing this story, it helps a lot hearing how priests became priests!

[kathrynsuch]

What a beautiful, inspiring testimony. We have 3 boys of 16, 14 and 10. We will all be watching this later. We will pray for you at family rosary. Please pray that at least one vocation will come from our family x

[jennbull]

As a former Protestant i just want to pinch myself that we have the Priesthood. God is so good! What a miracle it is to have men devote their whole lives to serve the people of the church. Thank you Word on Fire for this stunning look into the life of a Catholic priest.

[CharlesMcDermott-sebl]

I have been a priest for over 51 years now. Listening to this post has reminded me of how and why I lay down on the cathedral sanctuary floor all those years ago and begged God to help me to be a good priest. Thank you! I am retired now but help out here and there where needed. The only thing I have ever wanted to do is to remind people (myself included) of God’s incredible love. His grace and love is enough for any of us. Thanks again! You made my day and days! I will remember you as I pray the Office today. As St. Thomas More said, ”Pray for me, as I for thee, that we may merrily meet in Heaven.” Chuck McDermott

[sharonoconnor]

This was extraordinary!!! I was enthralled and in awe with his story. What a testament to the glory of God and how He works in our lives. Fr. Stephen Gadberry will be in my prayers from now on, our world needs men graced with his life and the story he shares. Stunning and inspired.

[kingedgar]

Fr. Steve Gadberry, you are a good man and an inspiration. God bless you!

[canisrah]

The world needs to see more of this. Catholic culture, Catholic stories, Catholic hope. The world needs this now more than ever with the relentless promulgation of wall to wall propaganda leading souls to sin, despair and ultimately, hell.

[kristinesegura]

Your story is so inspiring. The church will be renewed with more priests like you. Thank you for sharing how you achieve a full life within the demands of your commitment.

[peacemeandu]

You had me at military, Fr. Stephen! As a 33 yr Air Force veteran and lifelong Catholic your words spoke to me on several levels. Thank you for sharing your story, even the difficult parts, with us. That's what makes you HUMAN as a Catholic priest. Too many priests/bishops/cardinals seem to be unapproachable and "above us", the lay people of the Church. I consistently tell our new pastor (less than a year at the parish) that his best homilies are those he speaks from the heart, those about real life and the tie-in to the Gospels. He is 36 and I am 75, a grandmother and great-grandmother, been around the block more than a few times, and I want to see him succeed in his priestly life and his personal life, as he is the future of the Church. I wish the same for you. Thank you for making this film and a big thank you to Bishop Barron for having the foresight to know it's what is needed right here, right now.

[mariannehartigan]

You know what’s so cool, there’s this friend of mine, Deanna Marie, who was born on September the 8th. She was always so nice, when I met her in grade 11 I just wanted to be her friend.
I’ve been praying for her lately, she is a gifted artist but she paints tarot cards. I just write this so you might also pray for her.
This is a really great story. Thank you, Father.

[rickmathis]

What a blessed testimony! The story of the young child that you baptized in the hospital had me in tears. I love the fact that because you followed your calling, she is now playing at the feet of the Father! 🙏

[jenniferbreen]

My heart breaks for your origin story, Father. But, I cannot help but think about Romans 8:28, "We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Thank you for sharing so candidly your path to the priesthood. May God bless you as you live out your life In His Service.