Listen to this story:
At 31, Marc-André Veselovsky has one foot in the world of sacred ritual and another in the world of sacred sound. Deacon and soon to be ordained a priest in June 2025, Marc-André is someone who sees music not just as art, but as prayer.
His spiritual journey hasn’t been about grand revelations or thick tomes. It’s been about learning to listen deeply, and to find joy in the surprising rhythms of community life—even when that means learning to laugh with others in the middle of a pandemic.
In this chat, Marc-André shares what grounds him, what stirs his soul, and why sometimes, the most meaningful prayer happens on a rock by the sea—with a dog curled at your feet.
What book has influenced your spiritual journey the most, and why?
I’m not much of a reader, but C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce is a wonderful short book about heaven and hell and purgatory. Lewis does a beautiful job describing the struggles of letting go of self and not taking oneself too seriously. Letting go of our own ego helps us listen to God and each other.
What is your favourite movie and why?
Children of Men, directed by Alfonso Cuaron and based on the novel by Phyllis Dorothy James, is one of my favourite movies. It’s dystopian, and speaks about a time in humanity’s future when humans cannot reproduce. It helps me reflect on the gift of life, though it is not a “peaceful” movie to watch.
What’s a surprising hobby or talent you have that others might not expect?
I like writing choral music, though I have not written many pieces yet. Everyone who knows me knows I like to sing, so musical composition may not be very surprising. Though I have not been in a play recently, I love drama and being able to act.
Where’s the most inspiring place you’ve prayed, and why did it stand out?
Good question! I had the blessing of spending five months in Belize on the Caribbean coast. There was a rock not far from shore that I would sit on while praying. Sometimes, our community dog would find me on that rock and join me in prayer. That was very, very special!
What part of Jesuit life has brought you the most unexpected joy?
You know, after five years in the Society and with the onset of the COVID pandemic, I only then realized that I receive a lot of joy from Jesuit community. Before then, I thought of Jesuit community more as a burden, since we did not choose those with whom we lived. However, during the pandemic, I realized that each Jesuit with whom I lived was a gift from God to help me find joy in a time of trial. I do think community is one of the hidden gems of Jesuit life.
Community life helps me to know that I can love people who are less than ideal (like myself); it shows me that when we do things together, we do things well. It also shows me that God is the centre of my life (not me), and it teaches me (slowly) to be patient. Community life teaches me how to laugh with others.
If you could share one piece of advice with someone discerning their vocation, what would it be?
Be honest with God. Let God know what your joys and fears are when discerning the vocation. Do not let fear stop you from trying something new. But share your fear with God.
What was your biggest fear before entering the Jesuits, and how did you overcome it?
Leaving my family and friends was the most difficult part of my entrance to the Society. Prayer and my new community helped me a lot. Also, cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus, spending quality time in prayer with Jesus helped a lot.
Which Jesuit value resonates most with you in today’s world?
Availability for mission. The Jesuits live out every Christian’s call to obey the will of God in a particularly visible and profound way. We are really called to be willing to go anywhere, do anything, at any time, for the greater glory of God. Though I am not completely available, I am always called to grow in availability for the mission the Society provides for me.
What’s your go-to prayer or spiritual practice when you’re feeling stuck?
Chanting psalms or readings from the Office of Readings is very powerful for me. I love sacred music. Sometimes I listen to Tallis’ Lamentations of Jeremiah when I am feeling stuck or sad. I find this sung prayer helps me to be sad and to be in the presence of God.
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