A monthly series in Vincentian Voices where we ask five random questions to an Eastern Province Priest or Brother.
This month, we talk with Fr. Harry Arnone, CM, who serves in Emmitsburg, Maryland. We thought we’d ask Fr. Arnone, CM, a few questions.
What was your favorite course or subject in school and why?
I’ve always enjoyed history and foreign languages, both ancient and modern.
Learning about different places and cultures has always interested me and I love to travel. I like history, as I already said, and enjoy visiting old places. I also enjoy myths and legends.
In an ideal world, if I weren’t a priest, I’d be a time traveler. Of course, someone would need to invent a working time machine first.
What animal is your ‘spirit animal’ or ‘favorite animal?’ Please explain.
Well, my favorite animal is easy. It’s a dog because they are so lovable.
And my “spirit animal”? Never thought about that before. So I cheated and took an online test that said my spirit animal was the owl.
If you could ask Saint Vincent de Paul one question, what is the question and why?
My question is a simple one: How did you keep your work and prayer life in balance? I could use some help in that area at times.
Besides connecting with family and friends, what do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy quietly relaxing with a crossword puzzle, especially the Sunday New York Times crossword. It usually takes me a couple of days to finish.
I also enjoy going to the movies (when theaters are open). I love the experience of seeing a film on the big screen. Most types of movies interest me, from foreign language and drama to superhero and goofy comedies.
If you could have dinner with one non-religious historical figure (dead or alive), who would it be and why? What might you ask them?
I’d like to have dinner with Brian and Elenor Pendleton. They are the first ancestors on my dad’s side to arrive in America. They arrived in Boston with James, their young son, sometime before 1634. We’re not sure the exact year.
I would enjoy hearing them tell their story of coming to America. My family has quite a bit of information about them from genealogical research.Their lives appear to have been quite an adventure.