I felt God calling me to Saint Lawrence Seminary, to further my faith as a Catholic man and to embrace His plan for me.

It began my sophomore year at Veritas Academy in Texarkana, AR where I attended Mass only once a week, and the nearest Catholic church was a 30-minute walk. I felt frustrated with the constraints and sought a more welcoming community, and an environment for my spiritual, academic and personal growth.

An advertisement for Saint Lawrence appeared to my mother on Facebook, and I believe it was a sign. I toured Saint Lawrence during Spring break and it sealed the deal. I applied, was accepted and began my Junior year at Saint Lawrence.

Not knowing anyone, I planned to be self-contained – keep to myself, graduate and continue my studies to get my Masters and Doctorate in Theology. I did not know it then, but it is nearly impossible to not open up one’s heart to this vibrant community.

On my first day at Saint Lawrence, some of my classmates said they were going to the gym to play soccer and asked me to join them. I put on my favorite soccer shirt and immediately was made to feel part of this community – a community of brothers where everyone is looking out for each other, helping each other and growing in faith along the way. I believe God wanted me to be here, not only to learn and deepen my faith, but also live my faith each and every day. “Actions speak louder than words” is very evident at Saint Lawrence, where Capuchins friars and staff lead by example, with the blessings of Jesus Christ guiding and inviting us to deepen our faith in Him, ourselves and our brothers.

I am blessed to have found Saint Lawrence and spend my two years here. I have incredible teachers and mentors providing spiritual direction like Dr. Michael Donahou, and Sr. Marie-Kolbe Zamora, who is my spiritual advisor and mentor.

My faith-journey has been enriched and fortified along the way. I attend Mass three times every week and I have private or group prayer every day. Saint Lawrence has given me the base to absorb the teachings of the Catholic Church and share my faith. I have experienced what community really means, and incorporated the Capuchin values into my daily routine. I learned how to work with people and acquired the skills to be successful throughout my life.

I feel the presence of the Lord, especially in the Eucharist and experience indescribable joy when receiving Holy Communion. I want to be an imitator of Christ, like St. Paul. I want to be a mirror of Christ, reflecting His light unto others. Saint Lawrence has given me the tools, structure and experiences to follow the path God has prepared for me thanks to my time here.

I have learned that evangelization is more than preaching the Gospel - it is living the Gospel. I discovered how I am called to do even the most ordinary things with an extraordinary love. I aspire to show God to other people, not only through my speech or my writings, but also through my daily life.