Mario
Borha
Where: St.
Columbanus Parish, 331 E. 71st Street
Why: Borha, 15,
will enter St. Joseph Seminary at Loyola University as the
youngest freshman in school history
Just because St. Columbanus'
Mario Borha didn't spend much time at his parish elementary
school, doesn't mean he disliked his studies. It was quite
the opposite.
He was cool on school and
even enjoyed extracurricular clubs like 4-H and speech.
At St. Columbanus, he served
as the student "Commissioner of Religious Affairs."
But since pre-kindergarten,
Borha, the oldest of two, wanted to learn more about a field
that captured his imagination: the Catholic priesthood.
Why enter Archbishop Quigley
Preparatory Seminary at 14, when you can get accepted at
age 11?
Officials at the high school
seminary agreed.
It's understandable. To interview
Borha is to talk to a teen with poise and intellect beyond
his years.
But he's no old man. Borha
has a healthy appreciation for TLC (the R&B queens)
and "an eclectic mix of music."
Four years later at 15, Borha,
of Nigerian heritage, will graduate near the top of his
class, hoping (and praying) to be accepted into St. Joseph
Seminary College at Loyola University Chicago. With a 4.0
grade point average (G.P.A.), and his involvement in groups
ranging from United Black Seminarians to the National Honor
Society, Borha's chances are very good.
Should he be admitted, Borha
will become one of the youngest students ever at St. Joseph
for "further discernment."
BLACK CATHOLIC CHICAGO:
Your father (George Borha) is a deacon at St. Columbanus.
Did he serve as a role model of the possibilities that can
be found in ordained life?
BORHA: Oh yes. My father
as deacon, my parish priest, the priests here (Quigley)…
I've had people all around me who've influenced my decision.
It feels like everyday I'm gaining more and more insight
into the priesthood.
What was it like when
you started high school seminary at age 11?
BORHA: When I first came
here–just like when I skipped grades at St. Columbanus'–people
were afraid that I wouldn't be able to handle the social
implications of being in a class with 14- and 15-year-olds.
I was quiet at first. I think that's expected when you're
that young, but I think I gradually opened up and joined
my class. Right now, I fit in with my class and haven't
any problems. I don't stand out at all.
Hopefully, it will be the
same way at college. I really want to go to St. Joseph.
You say it like you're
not sure you are going to be accepted. Doesn't Harvard University
want you ?
BORHA: I received invitations
from all over, but I don't want to be presumptuous and say,
"Oh yeah, I'll get in." That's not my nature. I wasn't raised
that way. It's possible that I'll get in St. Joseph, with
my G.P.A. and test scores, but I can only hope. I will know
for sure in by mid-March or early April when the letter
comes.
I would like to be accepted
at St. Joseph so that I can further explore the priesthood.
The great thing about Quigley
is when you're here, not only does the school help you learn
about your faith, if you decide you don't want to be a priest,
they expose you to other vocations to help you find out
just what is your vocation.
Do you feel that you are
answering a call?
BORHA: Yes! (With volume.)
Ever since I was little I've always wanted to be a priest.
And the more information I learn about the priesthood, the
more I can see myself as a priest. I can see myself devoting
my life to helping people. Priests can be counselors. Priests
can be comforters. I can see myself in that role.
