At
six years-of-age Mike lost his eyesight due to a brain tumor.
Hospitalized
over a prolonged period of time, he had to readjust to the world he
once could see,
even needing to crawl around for awhile, so atrophied were his legs
from being
immobile. He was mainstreamed into public school (unprecedented at the
time).
Handicapped kids were expected to attend specialized schools.
He was a typical child, though blind: attended scouts, worked hard to
excel in
school, got involved in music in high school, wrestled on the high
school team
(baseball didn’t work). He obtained a bachelors of Science degree in
Human
Resource Management and wondered if this was all there was in this
world.
Raised Catholic, he was typical of many, not quite aware of the
transformative
grace, power and love offered from the Lord in His Body, the Church. In
his
late teen years Mike experienced a life-changing retreat and his faith
came alive
in him in a way that would not accept spiritual lukewarmness any
longer. His
musical interests turned to sacred music. He worked as choir director
for six
years while advancing through undergrad work.
The Lord’s mercy would not permit this longing heart to be left unaware
of the
source of its fulfillment, the Lord Himself. On a dreary, rainy day,
while
standing at the front entrance of a college auditorium, waiting for a
ride
home, Mike asked himself, “is this all there is?”
“I had many things moving in the right direction as the world would
prescribe
for one’s success, but I was empty. It would be awful if this was all
there
was. So I asked that question, and the answer was immediate. I
instantly sensed
a real ‘burning’ from my fingers through my whole body. Along with this
sensation a non-spoken voice left this impression, ‘Check out the
seminary.’
My whole world opened up with my seminary formation which I loved. The
Lord was
working overtime on this broken man. Ordained in November of 1994, I
continue
to be amazed at how God’s mercy transforms my life and reveals the
power of His
Kingdom around me.”
Father Mike Joly has worked in parish ministry, college and high school
campus
ministry, served as retreat director for a large retreat center, and he
conducts parish missions, rallies, concerts, and offers presentations
on a
variety of topics, both within the spiritual realm and in secular
venues when
asked to bring his insights.
“Are not our hearts burning inside as He walks by our side?”
