Cardinal Blase Cupich - archchicago.org

Cardinal Blase Cupich

Cardinal Blase CupichArchbishop of Chicago

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I wanted to see if I had a vocation.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was in high school, but in the summer managed a city swimming pool.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I played guitar for Masses in the seminary.

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE QUOTE: Peace be with you.–John 20:19

Archdiocese of ChicagoVocation Office750 N. Wabash Ave.Chicago, IL 60611312.534.5234

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Fr. Tom Byrne

Fr. Tom ByrneBirthday: January 21Home Parish: St. George, Tinley Park Director of Chicago Seminarians

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I found the call of God toward the priesthood to be unavoidable. Whatever other options I considered besides the priesthood always left me feeling that I was still called to love and serve God and my brothers and sisters by becoming a priest.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I completed my undergrad studies at the University of Illinois in Economics and Philosophy in 2006.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I worked as a summer caddie at Olympia Fields Country Club during high school and college.


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Fr. Timothy Monahan

Fr. Timothy MonahanBirthday: November 3Home Parish: St. John the Baptist, Arcola, IL Vocation Director

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I felt Jesus inviting me to become a priest, and I said yes. It’s been an incredible adventure and I love it!

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was a finance major in college and wanted to go into banking.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I speak five languages and was captain of my Division I fencing team at Notre Dame.

Fear not, I am with you. –Isaiah 43:5


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Dcn. Ryan Brady

Dcn. Ryan BradyBirthday: August 24Home Parish: St. Christina, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2021

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: The Lord kept asking. I finally accepted His invitation. I asked God to make it clear if this wasn’t His will for me... all obstacles faded away and I knew my vocation was true.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I worked in Development at Catholic Charities, and worked weekends at Holy Name Cathedral.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I originally studied for the priesthood in college, and returned to seminary after a 13-year hiatus.


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Dcn. Nathan Ford, SJC

Dcn. Nathan Ford, SJCBirthday: July 15Home Parish: St. John Cantius, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2021

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: In order that I may be God’s instrument of mercy and love. More than anything, I desire to break the shackles of sin, shame, and fear that keep people from Him.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: Before joining my religious community I was a high school student in Southwest Michigan. Eleven days after graduating I moved to Chicago and have been here for almost 10 years.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I despise cottage cheese with a passion.


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Dcn. Christopher Landfried

Dcn. Christopher LandfriedBirthday: June 12Home Parish: St. Bartholomew, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2021

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: From great examples of priests and the faithful, and to answer the invitation I discerned to accompany others in the faith and through the Sacraments.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: Mortgage financing and real estate legal assistant.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I have lived in California, Mexico, Israel, Florida, and the Caribbean. I love the ocean and the mountains... wide open spaces. I’m half-Bajan... look up what that means!


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Andrew Matijevic

Andrew MatijevicBirthday: December 5Home Parish: St. Thomas of Villanova, Palatine Mundelein Seminary Class of 2021

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I felt Jesus’ call at my First Communion. I have a desire to bring the faithful into a more personal encounter with God through the Sacraments.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I am a “neo-lifer” meaning I have been in seminary formation since I entered the Quigley Scholars Program my freshman year of high school.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I have a fraternal twin brother who is a police officer.


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Dcn. Colm Mitchell

Dcn. Colm MitchellBirthday: October 2Home Parish: St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest Mundelein Seminary Class of 2021

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I first felt called to the priesthood during my senior year of high school. Throughout college and while working afterward, I kept making excuses not to further discern this calling, but I eventually ran out of excuses and I am happy that I am in seminary.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I graduated from the University of Illinois in 2012 with a BA in history. I have worked as a bartender, at an animal shelter, and as a substitute teacher.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I ran for local political office.


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Dcn. Ritchie Ortiz-Juárez

Dcn. Ritchie Ortiz-JuárezBirthday: June 3Home Parish: St. Domitilla, Hillside Mundelein Seminary Class of 2021

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I want to teach who Christ is and share with the world about his love and joys.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was a special education teacher and a shift supervisor for Starbucks.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: My birth name is Raciel but everyone knows me as Ritchie. Raciel in Hebrew means “secret of God.”


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Dcn. Robert Ryan

Dcn. Robert RyanBirthday: September 8Home Parish: Our Lady of the Lakes, Antioch Mundelein Seminary Class of 2021

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: After a radical re-conversion back to the Catholic faith by the grace of my parents, I had a powerful experience while at Eucharistic Adoration where the Lord made it abundantly clear to me that he was calling me to be his priest.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: After attending Michigan State University, I worked in public sector sales and marketing for Dell Technologies.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I am ambidextrous.


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Dcn. Leonel Sepulveda

Dcn. Leonel SepulvedaBirthday: December 16Home Parish: St. John the Baptist, Harvey Mundelein Seminary Class of 2021

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: The priesthood has been in my mind since I was eight years old, and this desire never really left me. After high school, joining seminary became the next and only logical step.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: High school.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I love coffee more than any other beverage in the world. I know more about it than I want to admit.


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Dcn. Daniel Villalobos

Dcn. Daniel VillalobosBirthday: August 3Home Parish: Immaculate Conception (44th St.), Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2021

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I want to serve the people of God as a priest. I want to be a companion in faith for people and let them encounter Jesus who transforms lives.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I studied journalism, then I joined religious life for some years.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I spent two years of religious missionary work in Belize.


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Dcn. Sebastian Zebrowski

Dcn. Sebastian ZebrowskiBirthday: February 4Home Parish: St. Ferdinand, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2021

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: Because I wanted to serve the People of God as a priest.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I lived and studied in Poland.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I have visited 23 states since I came to the U.S.

“Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” –Matthew 20:27–28


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Br. Joseph Brom, SJC

Br. Joseph Brom, SJCBirthday: February 27Home Parish: St. John Cantius, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2022

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I was drawn to the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius and wanted to share in their mission of “Restoring the Sacred” in the world.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I earned a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering and then completed a two-year novitiate program with the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I’m a certified SCUBA diver.


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José Antonio Camacho

José Antonio CamachoBirthday: March 16Home Parish: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview Mundelein Seminary Class of 2022

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I felt in love by the life of Our Lord Jesus Christ. His commitment and devotion to our Heavenly Father inspire me also to become one of his servants.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I joined the Franciscan life (OFM) and visited people in jails and fed the hungry in the streets. Also, I learned to play soccer and board games (chess).

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I enjoy hiking and nature.


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Michael Klatt

Michael KlattBirthday: July 27Home Parish: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview Mundelein Seminary Class of 2022

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: It was a response to an invitation.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: Hotel management and the world of wine. I also was a Catholic Relief Services volunteer for two years and was sent to Honduras, Central America.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I only drink my coffee black.

I will get up and go to my father. –Luke 15:18


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Andres Alejandro Rojas

Andres Alejandro RojasBirthday: October 31Home Parish: Our Lady of Mercy, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2022

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I saw a great hunger that the pastor and others sought to fulfill through the Church. I wanted to help in that mission and make it my own.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I worked as a barista and volunteered in youth ministry.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I’m a former dance instructor and used to work part-time as a DJ with my dad.

And Mary told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” –John 2:5


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Kevin Gregus

Kevin GregusBirthday: April 2Home Parish: St. Alphonsus, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2023

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: At a silent retreat, I sat in Adoration focusing on being with the Lord, when God busted down every wall I’d put up and showed me how my life already fit into the priesthood – my love of liturgy, of brotherhood, of teaching, and of the people.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was an aerospace engineer for the Department of the Navy and then at Astronics Armstrong Aerospace.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I played trumpet in the Michigan Marching Band.


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Dan Korenchan

Dan KorenchanBirthday: March 11Home Parish: St. John of the Cross, Western Springs Mundelein Seminary Class of 2023

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: It didn’t happen until college, but I finally started learning more about our faith, our beliefs, the Church, and the priesthood! I fell in love with it all, and at the same time felt that God wanted me to give my whole life to Him as His priest.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I worked in mergers and acquisitions in a large public accounting firm.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I love taking pilgrimages to visit Catholic shrines.


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Michael Mehringer

Michael MehringerBirthday: October 11Home Parish: St. Mary of the Angels, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2023

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I heard Jesus calling me to serve His people and His Church.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I worked as a chemist for five years.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I have a twin brother.

Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. –Hebrews 12:14


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Francisco J. Pagán

Francisco J. PagánBirthday: January 3Home Parish: Mary, Seat of Wisdom, Park Ridge Mundelein Seminary Class of 2023

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I want to sanctify myself through service in the priestly vocation, always fulfilling the will of God and leading souls to Christ Jesus.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I worked as a manager and studied for an MBA in information security.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I do wood carving.


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Br. Andrew Panzer, SJC

Br. Andrew Panzer, SJCBirthday: December 3Home Parish: St. John Cantius, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2022

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: To serve God in whatever way he desires.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was a music major at DePaul University.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I love backpacking trips.

But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. –2 Corinthians 12:9


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Jesús Raya-Custodio

Jesús Raya-CustodioBirthday: August 5Home Parish: St. Francis de Sales, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2023

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: To discern God’s will for my life.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I taught high school social studies and elementary bilingual education. I also helped with the religious education program at my home parish.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: My favorite fruit is mango.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. –Matthew 11:30


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Timothy Berryhill

Timothy BerryhillBirthday: July 15Home Parish: St. George, Tinley Park Mundelein Seminary Class of 2024

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I have a special love for the sacraments and want to provide for God’s people.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was a helicopter pilot in the military.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I make rosaries for religious sisters.

…he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” –Matthew 16:13


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Marko Culjak

Marko CuljakBirthday: June 28Home Parish: Bl. Alojzije Stepinac, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2024

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: After trying to shake the thought of seminary, the Lord’s persistent call only got stronger. I became a seminarian because of a desire to serve as God’s instrument in leading people to Him for eternity.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I earned BS and MS degrees in Accounting from the University of Illinois, which led me to working at the public accounting firm Ernst and Young.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I am 100% Croatian and speak it fluently.


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Martin Nyberg

Martin NybergBirthday: June 10Home Parish: St. Edward, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2024

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: As my desire for priesthood persisted and grew, I realized that I was trying to make time for the things I would “get to do” in seminary (prayer, study), and that I wouldn’t have any more clarity about my vocation until I gave seminary a try.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I taught English in Spain.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I played in the cello section of the orchestra at the Canonization Mass of St. Junipero Serra.


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Juan Carlos Vargas

Juan Carlos VargasBirthday: December 27Home Parish: Immaculate Conception (44th St.), Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2024

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: Realizing my call was more than serve the way I wanted to.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was a case manager for kids in foster care.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I love serving others – currently known as the accompanying machine!

Traten a todos con amor, de la misma manera que Cristo nos amó. –Efesios 5:2


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Br. Kevin Menard, SJC

Br. Kevin Menard, SJCBirthday: September 14Home Parish: St. John Cantius, Chicago Mundelein Seminary Class of 2025

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: To grow in my knowledge and love of God, and to take another step toward the vocation of priesthood.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I have been with the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius for three years. Before that, I worked for Oracle in their email marketing department.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I used to rap in college.

Take courage, I AM; do not be afraid. –Matthew 14:27


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Patrick Kennedy

Patrick KennedyBirthday: April 6Home Parish: St. Benedict, Blue Island Mundelein Seminary Class of 2026

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I began to feel the call to serve Jesus in the priesthood during college and decided the seminary would be the best place to further my discernment.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I worked as a religious ed teacher on the Rosebud Reservation and studied at Marquette University.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I have a twin sister. I was an extra on the Empire TV show.

Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy. –Psalm 126:5


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John Rahimi

John RahimiBirthday: December 27Home Parish: St. Theresa, Palatine Mundelein Seminary Class of 2026

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I felt Christ’s invitation to follow Him as a priest, and I wanted to answer Him. Being a seminarian is helping me to respond as generously as I can to God’s will for my life.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I studied advertising at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and graduated in May 2019.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I have a scar on my face from a mailbox “attack.”


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Kyle Berceau

Kyle BerceauBirthday: March 16Home Parish: Sts. Joseph & Francis Xavier, Wilmette Mundelein Seminary Class of 2027

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: In the deepest center of my heart sit the words “I am a priest of Jesus Christ.” I am following God’s invitation into deeper discernment of the ordained priesthood with the Spirituality Year.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: Coached youth baseball and supported a Catholic lay apostolate (Totally Yours Pilgrimages).

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:My last name in French means “cradle.”


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James Bryant

James BryantBirthday: December 5Home Parish: St. Gilbert, Grayslake Mundelein Seminary Class of 2027

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I want to give God the opportunity to show me His plan for my life wherever it leads, and seminary seemed like the best place to do that.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was a full-time student at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS and just graduated.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I love to travel. So far my favorite place I have visited is Kolkata, India.


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Michael Frankiewicz

Michael FrankiewiczBirthday: August 13Home Parish: St. James, Arlington Heights Mundelein Seminary Class of 2027

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I felt deeply drawn to the priesthood and I wanted to give God the time to work me into whoever He wanted me to be.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I graduated from the University of Chicago and then worked in the real estate industry.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I have two patron saints: Sts. Severinus Boethius and Augustine of Hippo.


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Conrad Espino

Conrad EspinoBirthday: June 13 Home Parish: Our Lady of Mercy, Chicago St. John Vianney College Seminary College Senior

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: The Lord placed a clear desire for priesthood on my heart which I tried to stifle, but it became obvious that where He wanted me to go was seminary.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I entered college seminary right after high school, where I had played on the varsity lacrosse team, was part of a Filipino folk dancing troupe, acted in school plays, and was a Quigley Scholar.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I’m an only child.


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Jose E. Sandoval Jr.

Jose E. Sandoval Jr.Birthday: January 11 Home Parish: St. Agnes of Bohemia, Chicago St. John Vianney College Seminary College Senior

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: To let the Lord work through me and in return be vulnerable to where He is leading me, so that I can be an example of his merciful love to others that have not gotten to know Him.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was working at a bank and coaching girls’ high school softball.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: My devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe has led me to making rosaries.


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Michael Sexton

Michael SextonBirthday: November 19 Home Parish: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview St. John Vianney College Seminary College Senior

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I felt a longing for a deeper spiritual life. God planted the grace in my heart to seek a religious path.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I worked and took some college courses. I sought many career paths but never found the right one.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I have never broken a bone or received stitches.


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Salvador Castañeda

Salvador CastañedaBirthday: April 3 Home Parish: St. Francis de Sales, Chicago St. John Vianney College Seminary College Junior

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I wanted to be a good spiritual father so I joined seminary!

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I worked at Krazy Kaplans and a deli where I fried chicken for the most part. Now I’m a professional chicken fryer.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I like to longboard and restore old tobacco pipes.


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Anthony Davies

Anthony DaviesBirthday: December 6 Home Parish: St. Paul of the Cross, Park Ridge St. John Vianney College Seminary College Junior

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I felt the Lord was calling me to become a priest. Seminary became the place for me to grow in love with the Lord and the call He has placed on my heart.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I attended Notre Dame College Prep High School and was a Quigley Scholar at St. Joseph College Seminary.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I am a triplet!


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Peter Famera

Peter FameraBirthday: July 9Home Parish: St. Terrence, Alsip St. John Vianney College Seminary College Junior

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: To share my love for Christ and His Church with others with the hope of bringing them to the same appreciation and affection.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was an engineer for Local 399 in Chicago.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I went to all the Cubs World Series games at Wrigley in 2016, and yes, it was as awesome as you think.


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Luke Lato

Luke LatoBirthday: September 30Home Parish: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview St. John Vianney College Seminary College Junior

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I am accepting a call from God. So that I may grow in holiness and allow God’s will to be done in my life, He called me to discern my vocation in seminary.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I attended The George Washington University in Washington DC, pursuing a career in politics.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I ran the Chicago Marathon at 18 years old in 2018.


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Victor Martinez

Victor MartinezBirthday: August 5 Home Parish: St. Barnabas, Chicago St. John Vianney College Seminary College Junior

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I wanted to grow closer to Christ, as well as help my friends and family grow closer to Christ. The chance to be able to one day lift up the Body and Blood of Christ brings me a lot of joy and peace.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was in high school. I played soccer, basketball and football with friends. I was also in theater.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I am a second-degree blackbelt in taekwondo.


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William Estrella

William EstrellaBirthday: May 29Home Parish: St. Odilo, Berwyn St. John Vianney College Seminary College Sophomore

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I was always attracted to the priesthood. Growing up I was an altar server, and watching the love and joy my pastors have really nurtured this attraction.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I attended Marian University in Indianapolis with a major in molecular biology and a chemistry minor.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I am bilingual; I speak English and Spanish.


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Derek Damasco

Derek DamascoBirthday: May 12Home Parish: St. Lambert, Skokie St. John Vianney College Seminary College Freshman

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: I underwent a huge conversion experience after reading Scripture and returning to Confession.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I was a high school student involved in different subjects and clubs.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME:I would have been studying philosophy, theology, and Latin in college regardless of whether or not I went to seminary.


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Alexander Thiel

Alexander ThielBirthday: April 18Home Parish: St. Paul the Apostle, Gurnee St. John Vianney College Seminary College Freshman

WHY I BECAME A SEMINARIAN: Through the example of many incredible priest and seminarian role models, I came to realize that a life offered to God by following the call placed on my heart is not a life given up, but rather a life lived the most fully.

WHAT I DID BEFORE SEMINARY: I attended Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: My favorite gift as a six-year-old was a drum set, but it became my parents’ least favorite gift!


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