Father Matthew Simmons is pastor of St. Francis of
Assisi Parish, Brookhaven, and associate director of vocations.

+ Last book read — “The Foundations of Religious Life: Revisiting the Vision” by the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious
+ Favorite book — T.S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets”
+ Favorite male saint — Benedict
+ Favorite female saint — Teresa of Ávila
+ Favorite city to visit — Orange Beach, Ala.
+ My hobby or hobbies — My citrus trees and anything outdoors
+ Person I’d like to invite to dinner — Brett and Deanna Favre
+ On my 75th birthday I’ll eat — Deep-fried, cheese-filled jalapeño peppers
+ Most enjoyable holiday — Hanukkah (Because I don’t have to work)
+ Most cherished religious article — A Revised Standard Bible
+ Favorite place to pray — Audubon Zoo
+ When do I pray — When I can’t sleep, when I’m working on a sermon
+ Favorite artist or work of art — Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies”
+ Favorite childhood memory — The baby hippo at the Jackson zoo
+ Favorite class in high school — I didn’t like school
+ Who influenced my vocation — Priests of St. Richard & St. Francis
+ Favorite season — Summer
+ Favorite type of music — Margaritaville
+ Best part of job as a priest — That people pray for you
+ Best blessing — Living in Brookhaven
+ Greatest challenge — Celibate health outside of a celibate community
+ Do you have a wish — For many deacons in the diocese — transitional & permanent

FEATURED PRIESTS

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