Copyright ©
2007,
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Rev. Paul
Wierichs
Pastor
eases those who seek healing.
-- Tom Tracy
March 31, 2007
Title: Director, Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center, North Palm
Beach, and rector of the Passionist Community there.
Other community posts: FBI chaplain for the Miami Division.
Education: Bachelor's degree in human development and religious studies,
master's degree in religious studies from St. Mary University, Winona, Minn;
master's degree in theology at St. Charles Seminary, Philadelphia; master's
degree in science in marriage and family therapy, Iona College, New Rochelle,
N.Y.
Awards: Pastoral counseling award from Iona College; Award of Service from the
Federal Law Enforcement community.
Personal: Age: 62. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. South Florida resident since July.
Q. What is the mission of the retreat center?
A. With the guidance of dedicated priests and religious, Our Lady of Florida
gives adults and teens an opportunity for self-exploration and to seek a healing
process from the fears that plague every human being. Our theme for retreats
this year is, "Fear Not, I Am With You."
Q. Tell us about the FBI chaplaincy.
A. It is a ministry of just being present for the FBI staff in moments of their
lives when they need to share pains or fears, whether job-related or personal. I
become a good sounding board. It has exposed me to very dedicated men and women
who are into law enforcement for the service more than anything else. Many of
them could be making much more money in the private sector.
Q. Your assignment as FBI chaplain took you to the attack on the World Trade
Center. Can you talk September 11 in particular?
A. I was called in five minutes after the first plane hit the Twin Towers, and I
ended up spending three weeks there. I felt that day I had been to hell. That
day I was offering hope and healing and forgiveness by hearing confessions and
ministering to our own FBI persons, policemen and firefighters, and construction
workers. They were people of all faiths.
Many were in shock as many people lost their lives and others came close. I saw
how that tragedy caused a unity. Everyone felt as brothers and sisters and
reached out to care for one another. My fear is that we will forget how many
people died that day.
Q. What's religion for, in 25 words or less?
A. To make us better human beings by pulling us out of our selfishness.
Q. Favorite part of your work?
A. Helping people to be healed, offering them hope and forgiveness through
reconciliation and church sacraments.
Q. Hardest part?
A. We always ask, `Why me?' In the Christian tradition, we see that suffering is
entering into the Passion of Jesus. Just as Jesus held his cross and suffered,
we in turn are called to help other people carry their cross.
Q. What do you do to relax?
A. I run, go to the beach, listen to good music and read novels.
Q. What book have you been recommending lately?
A. If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat, by
John Ortberg. It touches where people are in their lives especially in regards
to fears they may be carrying.
Q. Favorite music?
A. Billy Joel, Elton John, Dave Matthews Band and John Tesh.
Q. Favorite TV shows?
A. 24, because terrorism is a major issue of our world today.
Q. Favorite film(s)?
A. Dead Poets Society, about a great teacher who enters into the lives of
young people, bringing forth an articulation of their hopes and their dreams.
Q. What does your faith say about other faiths?
A. Respect all ways, because they are paths to God.
Q. Is there one thing you can't stand?
A. Ignorant, disrespectful, selfish people.
Q. Who in history would you like most to meet?
A. Abraham Lincoln, because he was a man of his convictions. He was a man of
integrity and character.
Q. If you could relive one year of your life, what would it be?
A. My novitiate was the year where you learn about the spiritual life and what
it means to take the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience before taking final
vows. If I knew now what I know today, I would have gotten much more out of it.
I don't think I was mature enough then.
Q. Motto, or favorite scripture verse?
A. Colossians: 3:17: "Anything and everything you do, whether in word and deed,
do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God."
