Mexican seminarians preparing for appointments in Utah

IC photo by Marie Mischel

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The Diocese of Salt Lake City has five seminarians studying in Mexico. Shown from left are Andrés Reyes Anselmo, Bernardo Montellano Martínez, Jorge Roldan Sanchez, Bishop John C. Wester, José Arnoldo Díaz Sagastume, Father

While in Mexico on last week’s pilgrimage, Bishop John C. Wester met with five seminarians who are sponsored by the Diocese of Salt Lake City. The seminarians should be ready to come to Utah within a year, said Father Javier Virgen, the diocesan Episcopal vicar for Hispanic Affairs/associate vocations director.

Being able to meet the bishop was beneficial to the seminarians, Fr. Virgen said, especially because Bishop Wester spoke to them in Spanish, asked questions with compassion and real interest, and listened intently. “That touched them very deeply,” Fr. Virgen said. “That shows the interest on behalf of Bishop Wester, and they feel reaffirmed in God’s call.”

Bishop Wester told the seminarians the challenges they will face as priests and in Utah, and urged them to continue to discern their vocations, Fr. Virgen said.

The five seminarians are in the last stage of their formation. The next step will be to attend the English as a Second Language program so they can pass the language qualification exam, Fr. Virgen said.