Father David Dodd: A Priest on Fire

Fr. David, a Franciscan friar and priest, has a deep love for the Holy Spirit, and his story is a testament to how saying “yes” to God can change everything. From growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, to becoming a novice master for his community, Fr. David’s journey has been one of bold faith, unexpected miracles, and surrender to the Holy Spirit.

Finding Faith in the “Buckle of the Bible Belt”

Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee—in the “Buckle of the Bible Belt”—Fr. David was surrounded by faith but didn’t always fully understand the personal relationship God desired to have with him. Raised in a Catholic family, he faithfully attended Mass every Sunday but saw faith more as “following the rules” than a relationship with a loving Father.

It wasn’t until his confirmation that he had his first profound experience of the Holy Spirit. “It was like a door opened in me,” Fr. David shares. “I didn’t have the words for it then, but looking back, I know it was the Spirit making His home in me.”

The Bold Faith of His Sister, Hannah

A defining part of Fr. David’s journey is his relationship with his younger sister, Hannah, who has Down syndrome. “Hannah is fearless,” he says. “She’ll walk up to anyone and say, ‘What’s your name?’ She has this boldness that inspires me to live my faith without fear.”

Hannah’s childlike faith and ability to forgive easily taught Fr. David about God’s unconditional love. “She reflects God’s love in a way that’s pure and unshakable,” he says. “It was through her that I first began to understand how deeply God loves me.”

Saying Yes to the Priesthood

Fr. David didn’t immediately say “yes” to God’s call to the priesthood. After a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit during his time at Franciscan University of Steubenville, he felt God asking for his full surrender.

“I remember being at a festival of praise when I felt God saying, ‘I want you to consider the priesthood,’” Fr. David recalls. “At first, I resisted. But the more I prayed and surrendered, the more peace and joy I felt.”

He joined the Franciscan friars, drawn to their spirit of joy and deep commitment to prayer. “When I met the friars, I felt at home,” he says. “They took prayer seriously but also knew how to have fun. It was the perfect balance.”

A Life Led by the Holy Spirit

Today, Fr. David serves as the novice master for his Franciscan community in Loretto, Pennsylvania. He helps men discerning the priesthood grow in their relationship with God and deepen their trust in the Holy Spirit.

“Listening to the Holy Spirit has been the greatest adventure of my life,” Fr. David says. “It’s not about hearing a booming voice from the heavens—it’s about trusting the gentle whispers in your heart and stepping out in faith.”

He encourages everyone to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. “The Holy Spirit isn’t a guest who visits from time to time—He wants to make His home in you,” Fr. David shares. “And when you let Him, everything changes.”

Dive Deeper

Want to hear more from Fr. David? Tune into his podcast, Fire on the Mountain, available on the Tabella app, where he dives deeper into how the Holy Spirit can transform your life. You can also learn how to listen to the voice of God in your daily life through the special playlist hear made “Hearing God’s Voice,” which also comes with a free downloadable PDF study guide.

For more inspiring stories from priests like Fr. David, listen to Life of a Priest on Tabella.

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