April 1, 2021

Dominican Brother Philp Nolan, Williamstown native, is ordained to the diaconate

REGIONAL
By Rebecca Drake

Brother Philip Nolan (front row, far right) poses with Archbishop Timothy Broglio and seven of Dominican friars who were ordained to the diaconate on March 20 in Washington, D.C. (iObserve photo/courtesy of Sts. Patrick and Raphael Parish)

SPRINGFIELD — On Saturday, March 20, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, ordained eight Dominican brothers to the order of the diaconate at the Priory of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The eight included Brother Philip Nolan (front row, far right in photo at right), a Williams College alumnus and parishioner of Sts. Patrick and Raphael Parish, Williamstown. 

Brother Nolan grew up in Williamstown. He majored in philosophy at Williams College and, as a junior in college, he spent a year studying in Oxford, England, where he first met Dominican friars. After graduating, he worked for First Things magazine for two years before joining the Province of St. Joseph.

“The rich intellectual and spiritual heritage of the order caught my eye first, but it was the humanity and joy of the friars I met that helped me to be open to God’s call,” he said. “Alongside and with the help of my brothers, I desire to be conformed to Christ through studying and preaching God’s promise of salvation.”

In an email interview with iObserve, Brother Nolan described what he feels are the greatest blessings he has received as a Dominican friar.

“The greatest blessing I have received as a Dominican friar is a life of daily friendship with Jesus Christ. Dominicans experience this friendship through prayer, study, community, and preaching in the service of God and his church,” he said. “In prayer we speak with Christ. In study we learn about him as he reveals himself in Scripture and tradition. In our community we serve and love each other for his sake.

Dominican Brother Philp Nolan (iObserve photo/courtesy of Brother Philip Nolan)

“In preaching we share with others what we ourselves have received. Our official name — the Order of Preachers — comes from our special commitment to and love for this task,” he continued. “These different elements can sometimes seem in conflict. But it is my experience that, with God’s help, together they purify the desires of the friar so that he can joyfully give himself more and more to God’s call.” 

Looking ahead to his diaconate year, Brother Nolan said, “Further theological studies will be my primary responsibility this coming year. I will begin the two-year License of Sacred Theology at the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, the seminary run by the Dominicans in Washington, D.C.

“These studies will prepare me for a life of fruitful preaching and service to the church,” he said. “Additionally, as a deacon, I’m assigned to help out at a parish here in Washington where I will preach, baptize, and prepare couples for marriage.

Brother Nolan also expressed gratitude for all those who have helped to nurture his vocation.

“Only since joining the Dominicans did I fully discover and appreciate the rich tradition of religious life in the Diocese of Springfield,” he said. “My Dominican province has a particular connection to the Dominican Nuns of West Springfield, whose prayers we rely on in so many ways.

“Additionally, many of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, who run the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, study with us here in Washington. God is at work in the Diocese of Springfield, and I’m grateful that he included my vocation in his plan.”