The Gates of Saint Charles

Testing the Waters of a Religious Vocation: a Memoir

Professor John Reskos memoir narrates a religious struggle against the backdrop of the Great Depression, World War II, and Pre-Vatican II Catholicism. His dissection of the components of a religious vocation led him in a direction befitting his temperament and natural inclinations rather than the ease of their achievement. He describes his struggle to define a religious vocation and ultimately find the strength to follow his best instincts. It was not easy for a poor boy of uneducated immigrant parents from Austria-Hungry to find his way in the world. But the solid educational foundation provided by the Church proved to be the gateway to a greater purpose. He earned graduate degrees from both Marquette University and the University of Illinois. His doctoral work at Illinois was in the field of reproductive biology. These events portended a successful scientific career in Oregon. The events recorded in The Gates of Saint Charles are coupled with the history of the times and the dogma and traditions of the Roman Church. A small window has been opened into the life and education of seminarians during the time covered by the memoir.