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November 5, 2015
Valerie SchmalzThis year there are 18 men studying for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of San Francisco at St. Patrick Seminary & University, five of them enrolled just this year. The number of seminarians is heartening, said archdiocesan vocations director Father David Schunk: “It is an encouraging sign for us and more reason to continue to pray for vocations.”
Catholic San Francisco asked a few of the seminarians to respond to the question: “Why did you decide to study for the priesthood?
Ben Rosado, Theology 1
I see how God prepared me for this vocation. Above all, I wanted to do God’s will in my life. So when he asked me if I would be willing to become a priest, I said yes. It is as simple as that!Kyle Faller, Theology 2
My time as a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville revealed to me my deep yearning and love for the Eucharist, a love which brings true rest to my soul. My next question was where ought this love be lived out? Through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, St Francis of Assisi and St. Dominic Savio I heard the voice of Jesus calling me to offer my life for the sake of the Archdiocese of San Francisco in the most holy sacrifice of the Mass and the shepherding of souls in the parish. “Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a Master who pays well; who rewards even a cup of cold water given for love of Him” (St. Dominic Savio).Santino Ambrosini, College 1
I decided to study to become a priest because I truly believe that the priesthood is what the Lord is calling me to. The life of a priest is one of sacrifice and of service, ultimately to bring souls to salvation in Christ. To act “in persona Christi”, in the person of Christ, to bring the faithful God is truly amazing and awesome, in the deepest meaning of the word.Ian Quito, Theology 1
I study to be a priest to be a face of Christ – mercy and love – to the world.