At the end of four years' time, at graduation, we were down to 12. At our reunion that we had several years ago, only 1 out of the 52 actually made it to ordination and priesthood. So there you go, there's your numbers.

In this quote, Peter Jurasik reflects on the challenges and realities of pursuing a path to the priesthood. He shares a personal experience of his time in seminary, noting that out of the original group of seminarians, only 12 remained by the time they graduated after four years of study. This stark reduction highlights the difficulty and the commitment required in such a journey. He further emphasizes this point by sharing that, at their reunion years later, only 1 out of the 52 who had started the program actually went on to receive ordination and become a priest.

Jurasik’s mention of the numbers serves to underline the tough reality of entering religious life. The high attrition rate reflects not just the demanding nature of the seminary, but also the personal sacrifices and dedication needed to follow this calling. The low number of those who ultimately made it to the priesthood contrasts sharply with the original expectations, providing a powerful commentary on the challenges of vocational commitment.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Jurasik’s own experiences in a seminary setting, where he personally witnessed the difficulties of staying committed to such a demanding vocation. His use of the reunion as a point of reference highlights how time and experience shape one’s understanding of the path they once sought, and how few make it through such a transformative journey.

Through this quote, Jurasik reflects not only on the numbers but also on the importance of perseverance and personal conviction in the face of obstacles. It highlights the reality that even for those with the strongest intentions, following a vocation like the priesthood is fraught with challenges, and only those truly committed to the calling are able to continue.