Basilica Parishioner Accepted as a Seminarian for the Diocese of Arlington

On the evening of March 10, 2026, I received the best phone call of my life when Bishop Michael Burbidge called and informed me that I have been accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Arlington. I was raised in a “culturally Catholic” Venezuelan household in South Florida, where our faith was not necessarily a priority.

As such, it may come as no surprise that I fell away as a teenager. Lo and behold, God had other plans for me, and five years ago, I had a “road to Damascus” moment in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. At the end of that summer, I made my first confession in almost 20 years and formally came back to the Catholic Church.

I have discerned the priesthood on-and-off for a few years since my reversion, but the fruit was simply not ripe enough until August of last year. I remember attending the 5 p.m. Mass the day before I was to meet with Fr. Noah Morey, the Vocations Director, for the first time. Fr. James Searby celebrated that Mass and the recurring theme throughout his homily was being “all in” for the Lord. I don’t believe in coincidences and I believe this was God giving me a gentle nudge out the door.

What am I feeling after hearing the news? An inconceivable joy and a peace that surpasses all understanding. This feels like the final natural step on the path I have been on for the past few years, being so involved at the Bsailica as an usher, a sacristan, and the Knights of Columbus. I believe that my tenure as Grand Knight of Fitzgerald Council #459 really showed me that my heart’s deepest desire lies in serving God and His Church.

To know, love, follow, and obey Jesus Christ is all I want to do in this life. To say I am “excited” about starting my priestly formation this fall at Mount St. Mary’s seminary would be the understatement of the millenium

Please pray for me as I embark on this beautiful journey, not so much that I become a Catholic priest in seven years (although that is what I want more than anything), but more so that I have the courage to follow the Lord wherever He leads me.