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My name is Stephen Hawkesworth, I am from Durban, South Africa. I had the amazing privilege of studying in Cheshire from 2008-2011. Those three years were the most important years of my life, years that I will always be so grateful to God for. Christ called me to Cheshire to give me the spiritual, apostolic, and intellectual foundations that I would need for my calling outside of the seminary. Leaving the seminary was the hardest decision I have made, yet with the help of my spiritual director I was at such peace over the decision. I had been called to walk this path with all the other brothers of the Legion, but Christ was calling me to take a right turn, while all the other brothers were taking a left turn towards the priesthood.
The apostolic formation that I received has enabled me to be a light of Christ’s grace in this world which is so often filled with such darkness; such as being that example of Christian life to the people at college, leading Lifeteen at my parish, as well as giving talks at church camps.
The intellectual formation has enabled me to pursue a master’s degree in chiropractic. I have never been academic at all, but the dedicated and strict help that I received from my professors gave me the intellectual discipline that I need to dedicate myself to a very challenging degree. The humanities studies has enabled me to have a knowledge of more than just one field of study, which helps to engage with people outside of a medical course. So often people just specialize in one area of expertise, and they don’t know much about other fields, but humanities really gives one that broader knowledge.
Lastly, and most importantly, the spiritual formation I received in the seminary has been my anchor in life. We were able to spend about four and a half hours in prayer, or prayerful activities, and through that I was able to develop such a real and personal relationship with Christ. With the habits of prayer that I developed in the seminary, my relationship with Christ outside of the seminary continues to grow deeper and deeper.
I recently got engaged to an amazing Regnum Christi girl, it is such a gift being able to share my love for Christ and my faith with someone that I love. After discerning to leave the seminary, my spiritual director said, “Steve, you have a huge heart, and having a relationship with another person you’ll be able to experience the love of God for you so much more!” Christ didn’t make my heart for Him alone, rather He gave me a heart that through loving someone else I will be able to grow so much closer to Him.
God can never be outdone in generosity!