David O’Brien, a Bishop Shanahan High School graduate who was accepted to 10 colleges but instead chose St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and priesthood, will be ordained on May 18, writes Lou Baldwin for CatholicPhilly.com.

O’Brien’s family was happy that he decided to pursue his lifelong calling.

“My father was the biggest influence in my life,” said O’Brien.

O’Brien first thought of becoming a priest while growing up in Honey Brook. Since his parish did not have a school, he was homeschooled, then attended St. Joseph in Downingtown. In high school, his desire to become a priest returned. He was counseled by Father Matt Guckin, school minister at Shanahan, to apply to St. Charles.

When deciding on the seminary, O’Brien realized the application process was very complicated. He had to submit a 10-page autobiography, answer questions on the Catholic Church and faith, and undergo a psychological evaluation.

Now 27, O’Brien is a transitional deacon at the seminary. He will be ordained later this month by Archbishop Charles Chaput at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul.

Read more about David O’Brien at CatholicPhilly.com here.

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