Mastering your weakness and overcoming fear

Joseph O’Bryan, a seminarian for the Diocese of Covington, shared his personal history of faith and struggle in a reflection published by the diocese.

O’Bryan described growing up in a Catholic home where his family prayed the rosary nearly every evening. He noted that this practice established an early devotion to Mary. He also recounted a childhood dream of the Blessed Mother that he believes marked her presence in his life.

The seminarian detailed how the suicide of his brother, Kyle, when O’Bryan was 11 years old, caused him significant paralysis and shock. He later experienced a period of spiritual darkness during high school characterized by constant anxiety and fear. During this time, he noted a lack of regular prayer, scripture reading, and time in Eucharistic Adoration. He eventually joined the Air Force Reserves as an electrician during his senior year of high school to find purpose.