Nov. 15, 2017

By Catherine Russell
Diocesan vocation coordinator

Ninth in a series

Last but certainly not least in our series on meeting our seminarians is Leagon Carlin from St. Peter’s Parish in Plattsburgh.

Leagon is son of Beth and James Carlin and brother to Sarah and John. James, Leagon’s dad, hopes to be accepted into the next permanent deacon class and if the math is correct, could be scheduled to be ordained the same year as his son, God willing!

Leagon was very involved in the life of his parish. He worked his way up to master server, gradually falling in love with the Mass and taking to heart the transformative power it holds.

Throughout high school at Peru Central, Leagon readily shared his faith and participated in student government.
He is an avid reader and likes to challenge himself intellectually.

As far as the call to priesthood is concerned, Leagon recounts, “I have had the desire to be a priest since second grade. It has been the only consistent desire of my heart.”

It was at Camp Guggenheim that Leagon describes a truly deep experience. “God rocked my world when he called me by name to be serious about priesthood,” he said. “The next week, I got the application.”

Leagon entered the Pontifical College Josephinum after high school graduation. He will graduate in the spring with his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and humanities and move on to the study of theology.

Like many faithful Catholics, Leagon has several faith heroes. St. Albert the Great was his Confirmation saint and Pope St. John Paul II, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and St. Maria Goretti round out his top picks.

In his free time, you might find Leagon “hammocking,” kayaking or sharing his faith through conversation. Leagon enjoys classical music of all kinds and enjoys sharing his gift of singing.

When he prays, Leagon like to use the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Rosary, the Liturgy of the Hours, the Mass and just talking with God. He loves Luke 4:18: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has anointed me and sent me out to preach the Gospel to the poor, to restore the broken-hearted.” Leagon believes this passage describes the gifts he has been given to share.

As a priest, Leagon most looks forward to celebrating the sacraments and “walking with others as an “Alter Christus.”

In answer to the question who most influenced his decision to become a priest, Leagon credits Jesus, St. John Paul II, G.K. Chesterton and Father Bryan Stitt.

For others who may be thinking about priesthood, Leagon’s advice is to pray and listen to God. “He has a wonderful plan for you and it begins with trusting Him. Most importantly, be not afraid.”