Deaf seminarian hopes to serve Canada’s deaf community

Catholic convert Matthew Hysell sees disability as a blessing

Seminarian Matthew Hysell (left) with Deacon Keith Dorschner of the Kingston
archdiocese, Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ and Fr. Peter Monty, SJ,
of Ottawa at the 11th Canadian Section of the International Catholic Deaf Association
at Carleton University, July 9-14 in Ottawa. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

The B.C. Catholic has a story by CCN's Deborah Gyapong about a deaf seminarian who wants to serve the deaf community of Edmonton as a priest:

When Matthew Hysell was 18 months old, he contracted meningitis during an epidemic in the 1970s.

He received a vaccine, but one of its side effects was hearing loss. But Hysell, who can read lips, speak clearly, and communicate in sign language, realized after he became Catholic that his deafness is a gift.

“I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing for the deaf community today if I wasn’t deaf, so I see it as a blessing in disguise,” said Hysell, who hopes to be ordained a transitional deacon in the Edmonton archdiocese Aug. 27, and then a priest next year.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.