There are stories that can transform us, and Marion’s story is worth sharing.
In Kansas, a boy named Marion Charaboneau grew up and had his first communion. For a religious education he went to Council Grove High School where he played music in a marching band. This led to him drinking on the weekends with his friends. Being a popular kid who’s smart, getting on the honors roll, and partying with friends made him well known.
1995 was a lonely year for him as most of his friends have graduated school and left. One Friday night, he decided to have a 32 ounce beer when he had a powerful choice that changed his life forever.
Marion decided not to drink and be like those around him, feeling a real need and desire for companionship. Instead of a 32 ounce beer he had a 32 ounce of faith.
This experience left him broken and wanting a better faith, to seek God. He goes to Sunday Mass more and contributes to Catholic Campus Center in Emporia culture. As Marion sits in Mass he realizes that he wants a partner in life, to get married. However God’s answer was “Why should I give this to you when you will just treat her this way?”
Then thinking back at the bar experience and how he’s always drinking on the weekends he understood what God said. He had a deep thought or feeling that transcribed to having “a seed still in the back of my head, that hadn’t yet grown.”
This feeling pertains to us all as we try to develop and grow as a person, who’s trying to have faith.
After Mass he then took the necessary steps to becoming a Priest, talking to the Vocationalist and telling him about his goal. He visited the Abbey at Benedictine College for many years late in 1997, eventually it became his home.
He made his first vows in 1998 and final vows in 2001, becoming a Priest.
He went from having a wavering faith to becoming a Priest or Father where he continues to serve today in 2026. When you are uncertain about life, just pray to God, He will guide you to where you need to be.
