My vocational discernment has been unfolding for nearly twenty years. I began my priestly formation in Colombia and later came to the United States for the first time to study English as a second language. After completing my English studies, I resumed my formation in the priestly formation program of the Diocese of Norwich. However, after a couple of years, I returned to Colombia, where I worked in education as a religious education teacher at several Catholic high schools in Medellín. During my time in Colombia, I remained involved in both education and pastoral ministry in several parishes of the Archdiocese of Medellín. About a year and a half ago, I had the opportunity to establish contact with the Archdiocese of Hartford. I was then invited to join the archdiocese and, with God’s grace, complete my studies in preparation for priestly ordination.

When I am asked how I have experienced God’s call to the priesthood, I often think of the words of the Apostle Paul, which have helped me persevere: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). I believe that everything that has happened throughout my discernment—especially my encounters with the People of God, including my family, students, coworkers, parishioners, and the priests I have met—has helped me understand that God is calling me to follow Him and to serve Him and His Church.

I am currently studying at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. After careful discernment, both my bishop and my vocation director determined that this was the right place for me to resume and complete my priestly formation.