From Lab Coat to Clerics
Zachary “Zach” Smith has always loved science. He received a full-ride scholarship to study microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh.
Saturday he was ordained a Catholic priest.
“I never expected that I would find God looking through a microscope, and now God invites me to explore the world looking through a bigger lens,” he said.
Raised in Detroit’s Oak Park neighborhood, Smith converted to Catholicism while attending University of Detroit Jesuit High School.
He began his collegiate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, later transferring to Divine Word College in Iowa, graduating in 2015 at the top of his class. The following year he joined the Society of Divine Word (SVD) professing first vows.
Last October, he was ordained a transitional deacon after completing studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
His ordination to the priesthood, along with three others, was celebrated Saturday at Church of the Holy Family, Chicago.
Society of the Divine Word, the world's largest Catholic missionary order, has almost 6,000 members working in more than 80 countries. The congregation’s Chicago Province stretches from Canada to the Caribbean and from Nebraska to Massachusetts.1
Blessings for Father Zach Smith. My prayers are added, The size of the Chicago Province amazes me as does the very work of a missionary. Congratulations,, Fr. Smith.
Hail to Zach Smith...praying for more like him!