My name is Patrick Bridges, OFS, and I am a first-year theology seminarian for the Diocese of Orlando, Florida. Before coming to Pope St. John XXIII Seminary, I worked as a healthcare executive overseeing the cardiovascular service line for a large health system in the Southeast. For the past five years, I have been active at the Cathedral of St. James in Orlando, serving in various parish ministries. That time gave me a real love for parish life and allowed me to encounter priests whose example inspired me deeply.

About three years ago, after entering the Secular Franciscan Order, I began to sense the Lord calling me to a deeper surrender of my life. Two years ago, through much prayer, fasting, and adoration, I came to realize that the Lord was asking me to say “yes” to the call to priesthood—just as our Blessed Mother did in faith and trust. I often describe that moment as my Duc in Altum time, when I decided to “put out into the deep” and follow the Lord’s call into seminary formation.

My diocese has a great love for Pope St. John XXIII Seminary, as many of our priests have been formed here. I am grateful to be part of this tradition and look forward to giving my life in service to the people of God.