Along his path to the priesthood, Deacon Michael Maloney has drawn inspiration in living a life of faith from his family.
His grandmother, he said, “has been very involved with various ministries throughout her life, including being part of the Serra Club, which prays for vocations,” he said. “She also has a son, my uncle, who is a priest,” highlighting how his family has paved the way for his own vocation.
Deacon Maloney, 26, is among 13 men being ordained to the priesthood in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis this year — the largest class since 2005. The presbyteral ordination is set to take place at 10 a.m. May 25 at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul.
Born to parents John and Anne, Deacon Maloney grew up in St. Anthony Village with six siblings — Catherine, Lucy, Gregory, Rita, Richard and Margaret. His home parish is St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony.
“Growing up, I knew the priests at my parish,” Deacon Maloney said about some of his earliest examples. “They were joyful men who worked to bring people closer to God.”
He felt a strong connection to the seminarians from his parish. “These men, I think, really opened the door for me to go to seminary.”
“There’s a great sense of joy with these men and also a willingness to be friends … that really helped me to desire this life with the Lord, desire this joy,” he said.
Deacon Maloney attended St. John Vianney College Seminary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and pursued degrees in philosophy and physics. He also obtained a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also known as the Angelicum, and has started the License in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, both in Rome.
Though the fraternal nature of the seminary was what initially encouraged Deacon Maloney in his pursuit of the priesthood, he said his perspective has expanded.
“Over time, I have grown to love the Lord more in the Eucharist, and the desire to be dedicated to him is now primary,” he said. “The desire to pursue the Lord with brother priests is still strong, but relationship with the Lord is the primary reason I am certain of the Lord’s calling.”
Deacon Maloney said his family has been supportive of his decision to pursue the priesthood.
“They have also sacrificed, especially since I have been living abroad for the last four years,” he said.
Deacon Maloney shared with “Practicing Catholic” radio show host Patrick Conley that his family has been “very excited” for his ordination.
“I know one of my sisters is making rosaries for the people who come to my reception,” Deacon Maloney told Conley when his interview aired April 26. “One small example of the way they’re supporting me in this journey.”
He also said priesthood discernment is continuing in his family — one of his younger brothers has entered the seminary.
In terms of his own ministry, Deacon Maloney said he looks forward to administering the sacraments “and so being a channel of God’s grace to his people.”
“I especially look forward to the sacraments of reconciliation and anointing of the sick,” he told The Catholic Spirit. “Every priest I know has had powerful experiences ministering these sacraments, especially anointing of the sick.”
He views continued catechesis as one of the Church’s greatest needs.
“I think that we always need to come to a greater understanding of our faith so that we can have greater confidence in sharing it with others,” he said. “I am currently studying Biblical Theology and hope to teach people more about the Bible in our archdiocese.”
He hopes also to connect with parishioners over running and chess — two of his interests.
“I know of other priests who have started running groups in the parish to exercise and to get to know each other better. This is something that I love to do, and I think that others enjoy doing it as well,” he said. “I also play chess and have connected with parishioners over chess during the summers.”
As May 25 approaches, Deacon Maloney said he is excited to be among this year’s ordinands.
“We all have different talents and strengths which we bring to the priesthood, and which will aid us in our ministry,” he said. “I think we are also a rather close-knit class despite our size, and we look forward to any time when we can be together. I am happy to be serving alongside these men.”
