A Personal Reflection From Br. Austin Riordan

Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us (Ephesians 3:20).

I’ve always dreamed big but haven’t always believed they could actually be fulfilled. The above Ephesians passage stirs my heart to gratitude every time I read it because it reminds me of how living all out for God has wildly surpassed my every expectation.

Br. Austin professing his fourth temporary vows in July 2021.

I never imagined myself being a Brother. A Priest? Sure maybe, but I did not know myself well enough and the alternative options were far too attractive for me to seriously consider giving it a shot.

Becoming a Brother in the Brotherhood of Hope never crossed my mind until I got to know some of the Brothers while serving as a college campus missionary with Saint Paul’s Outreach.

I saw in the Brothers men who held nothing back. Their hearts were set apart for God alone.

They shared a deep relational family life, and they were unflaggingly zealous for helping young people meet the One who satisfies every desire.

During this time, I noticed a most frightening thing … I too desired to live this way!

All that is to say, now in my fourth year of temporary vows, to live the Brotherhood life and to follow God wholeheartedly has been the greatest joy of my life.

Br. Austin sharing with students during a retreat.

I now work as a full-time campus minister in the Catholic Center (CC) of Northeastern University and Surrounding Schools in Boston, Mass. In my free time, I enjoy hiking the Blue Hills near Boston or the White Mountains in New Hampshire, gardening (attempting to grow something green in the concrete jungle surrounding our house), or just hanging out on our back porch with the Brothers.

Br. Brandt Haglund, Br. Sam Gunn, Br. Clinton Reed and Br. Austin hiking together.