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Get to know Fr. Sanders!

Writer's picture: Harvard Catholic CenterHarvard Catholic Center

After six months at the Harvard Catholic Center, Fr. Nathaniel Sanders is no longer "the new chaplain" (though, compared to Fr. George's 32 years he may be considered new for a while). The undergraduates gave him a warm welcome when he arrived back in April, and Fr. Sanders quickly got to know all of the students and the various ministries that they are involved in at the Catholic Center. Now that the fall semester is well under way, he has answered a few questions so that our community of alumni, parents, and friends can get to know him too!


What do you do for fun?

      Generically, I like to golf and to run. Recently, I've become very interested in golf architecture. I enjoy travelling to (and inviting myself onto) historic courses. While my ability rarely matches the test presented, it is thrilling to try to "solve" the puzzle that a good course gives. Running has been a hobby of mine for a few years; and I enjoy training for races.


What is the last good book you read?

      I recently finished the Tom Holland (the historian, not the actor) trilogy on the fall of the Roman Republic and the birth of the Roman Empire. One can never think too often about the Roman Empire. Highly Recommend.


Who is your favorite saint? Why?

      St. Augustine of Hippo. His writing, especially on topics of grace, explain well the nature of salvation and our deep need for Christ. Last year, I taught a course at St. John's Seminary on The City of God, which must be the greatest work in Christian thought. This is a claim that needs no defense.


What is your favorite part about being a priest?

      It is always a grace to participate in bringing the sacraments to people. They are the principal means by which we receive Christ into our lives, and are the point of why priests exist.


What has been your favorite place to which you have travelled?

      Tough to say, but I once spent a couple nights at La Sainte-Baume in Provence. It is the cave where Mary Magdalene is piously believed to have spent the last years of her life. The scenery, vistas, and opportunities for prayer are unlike anything else.


What has been your favorite part of being assigned to the Catholic Center so far?

      Apologies for the expected answer, but the students are the best part of the Catholic Center. It is encouraging to see so many young people who take their faith seriously and strive to grow in divine charity.


You just led the fall undergraduate retreat, how did it go? Can you give us a summary of the topic?

      I enjoyed the retreat immensely and it was wonderful spending a weekend away with the students, but you would have to ask them for a more honest assessment. The retreat was entitled "What Makes us Holy?" and dealt with the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.


Now that you have been at the HCC for six months, what goals have you developed for the undergraduate chaplaincy?

      Broadly speaking, the goals of the chaplaincy are that of the Church. We want to spread the Gospel, worship God well, and grow in grace. We also want to grow the sense of community here at the HCC through building up groups, organizing outings for the students, and hopefully taking them on pilgrimages that will deepen their relationships with each other, the Church, and with God.


What is one piece of advice that you would give to the Harvard Catholic undergrads?

      Trust in the truth that God wants your heart, and wants you to be fulfilled, infinitely more than you do. If we begin to grasp this, everything else falls into place.



Johnny Miri AB'26, Fr. Nathaniel Sanders, Olivia Glunz AB'25, and Katie Miri AB'25 on the Fall Undergraduate Retreat

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