Four seminarians answer frequently asked questions about their seminary experience
Seminarian Javier Escutia attends Mass at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Arlington on May 25. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)
EDITOR'S NOTE: These interviews have been edited for clarity and brevity.
In Isaiah 6:8, after contemplating God's holiness and experiencing his purification, the prophet hears the divine call: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?'" From a purified heart, Isaiah responded with generosity and dedication: "Here I am, send me."
Just as Isaiah had the opportunity to hear and respond to the call, young men in our diocese should not fear discerning their vocation to the priesthood. To help in that process, four seminarians from the diocese answer frequently asked questions about their seminary experience.
NTC: What is a misconception your friends or family have had about the seminary?
Cristian Diaz: Many people think that when they enter the seminary, they go to a convent, a cloister, or some secluded place, and simply pray all day. But that's not the case. There's so much more: like the university experience, we have classes, formation, and community. We can also go out, go to the nearest store or restaurant. It's not like the army, I guess you could say.
NTC: What is something you truly enjoy about seminary life—something you think you wouldn't have experienced if you hadn't begun discernment?
Jesus Segura: As a seminarian, I have the privilege of experiencing different aspects of our diocese, beyond the environment in which I grew up. I have been able to meet people from diverse backgrounds, histories, and cultures, all deeply drawn to the same faith and the same Jesus Christ. Living this experience has been even more wonderful than I imagined.
As I hear people's stories—their hopes, struggles, joys, failures, and achievements—I am increasingly motivated to take my formation seriously. And an even greater desire is born within me to reach, God willing, the priesthood, so that I can wholeheartedly serve those I have had the privilege of meeting.
NTC: Who do you think should consider the seminary?
Javier Escutia: Someone should consider the seminary if they feel called to serve a particular diocese, want to serve a parish community, minister, administer the sacraments, counsel, and be a leader. One must have the desire to serve the Lord first and foremost, but one must also have the desire to be celibate, to obey the bishop, to dedicate time to the parishioners and their needs, and above all, to be a servant who will set an example for everyone to follow.
NTC: What were you most concerned about when you entered the seminary? And how do you feel about it now?
Eric Hernandez: I would say that what worried me most was whether God was really calling me to the priesthood. I wasn't completely certain that He wanted me to be a priest, so I doubted whether I was doing the right thing or even if I should enter the seminary. Looking back now, I am grateful for the graces God has given me to keep going, because He has been present at every stage of my seminary formation, even in the moments when I wasn't sure I was in the right place. … I have learned that it's okay not to be completely certain of one's vocation when entering the seminary, as it is precisely a space to discern, in prayer, whether God is truly calling me to the priesthood.
Javier Escutia: What worried me most when entering the seminary was studying. Sometimes studying is difficult, and it is, but it can be done with God's help. But you also have to put in the effort, pay attention in class, be dedicated, dedicate time to study, ask for help when necessary, and above all, not stress too much, especially when you fail or don't get the results you want.
NTC: Do you have a message for our North Texas Catholic readers?
Jesus Segura: I think it's very important, considering the desire for more priests, especially Hispanic priests, to speak the language or know the culture, because they themselves grew up in that culture and with that language. … One shouldn't be afraid of being unhappy or lonely, of being separated from their family. Because as a Hispanic man, my parents from Mexico, me from Mexico, I have been able to find God's grace in my brother seminarians. I have found God's love and God's support in those who are here to help me form myself. So, have confidence and have faith. And make a resolution to talk to your children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews and expose them to this conversation.
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This summer, young people will have two opportunities to hear God's call and respond generously, just as Isaiah did:
- St. Andrew's Breakfast: High school and college students are invited to the Cathedral on July 19 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Quo Vadis: High school graduates—from incoming freshmen to recent graduates—are invited to the Quo Vadis vocational retreat on July 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Discover more vocational events on the diocesan calendar: fwdioc.org/public-calendar