A Decision to Leave Seminary Formation Journey of Discernment Seeking Clarity in Vocation Leaving seminary formation was a significant and emotionally charged decision, one that required deep introspection and personal growth. As I look back on this pivotal moment in my life , I find solace in the clarity I gained through the process of discernment. The decision to leave the seminary was not one of failure or retreat but rather a courageous step toward aligning my life with my authentic self. It was in stepping away that I truly discovered who I am and what my passions and aspirations are. Recognizing a New Path While I initially entered the seminary with a sense of purpose, I soon realized that my path lay elsewhere, in different forms of service and personal expression. This realization was not easy, but it was essential for my growth and self-awareness, as the Gospel reminds us of the call to follow Christ and discern where we are most called to serve: As Jesus said, ...
The Purpose and Importance of Seminary Training Seminary training holds a profound purpose and plays a crucial role in shaping individuals who are called to religious or priestly vocation. As I reflect on the significance of seminary training, I am filled with gratitude for the transformative experiences and invaluable lessons it offers to my life. Seminary training serves as a sacred space where individuals are nurtured, challenged, and equipped to fulfill their calling. It is a time of deep exploration, intellectual growth, spiritual formation, and personal development. Through academic studies, theological reflections, and communal living, seminary training prepares individuals to become compassionate servant-leaders, dedicated servants, and knowledgeable guides in their respective faith communities. As Pope Francis reminded the seminary rectors from Latin America who were in Rome last November 10, 2022, that the mission of a seminary “is not to form ‘supermen’ who pretend to know...