From Party Animal to Priesthood (Special Podcast Highlight)

If you are praying for your children to come back to the faith, never stop! Who knows… They could one day become priests!

On a recent morning air podcast, John Morales had a conversation with Fr. Mac Hill, sharing his inspiring conversion story. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Father Mac grew up in a strong Catholic family, but veered off course during his high school and college years.

High school:

Father Mac was a typical high school jock, more concerned with his reputation and partying than his faith.

He went to the University of Florida, diving headfirst into the college party scene. But instead of having fun, it left him empty and lost.

The alarm signal:

Things hit rock bottom the night before spring break when he was drunk and crashed his truck, landing him in jail.

In his cell, he had a huge epiphany, realizing he was on a dangerous path and desperately turned to God.

Reconnect with faith:

Twist of fate: just before his arrest, a former classmate invited him to a Bible study. After his release, he went to discover a group of passionate and faith-filled students.

This initiated his return to faith, with a sincere confession and a profound experience of God’s mercy, “transforming his shame into a hunger for the Eucharist.”

The big decision:

Initially, Father Mac dismissed the idea of ​​becoming a priest, even going so far as to date the “girl of his dreams” while figuring things out.

But through prayer and consecration to Jesus through Mary, he found peace and clarity about his calling.

He entered the seminary of St. John Vianney College in 2014 and was ordained on May 15, 2021.

Life like Father Mac:

Today he is parochial vicar at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine, loving each day as a new adventure with the Lord, full of joy and peace.

Fr. Mac’s journey from wild party nights to devoted priest shows how powerful God’s grace can be. It reminds us that no matter how far we stray, it is never too late to turn back and find true peace and purpose.

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