Seminarian Profiles
Martin Rodriguez
St. Mary Parish, Puebla, Mexico
Favorite…
Book: The Imitation of Christ Movie: Forest Gump Team: National Mexican Soccer Team, the Colts Song/Band: “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Quote: “Fides Quaerens Intellectum”. (faith seeking understanding)
Saint: St. Anthony of Padua Activities: working out, playing sports
Like every immigrant, I came from my country, Mexico, looking for a better life. I was looking for a materialistic life rather than spiritual, but God had other plans. My intention was to work and to forget about school. However, because I did not find a job right away I decided to finish High School. To be honest, it was pretty hard to study in a different language but thanks to the help of God and some friends, I managed to do it with good grades. I lived my life like other young people of my age, dancing, playing sports, watching movies, working etc.
At that time, I was thinking to go on in college and become an accountant, but God had something else for me. One day at church, Father Michael O’Mara invited all young adults to come for a vocational dinner. It’s funny because I did not pay attention to the word “vocational”, I just heard “dinner”, so I went. Since that afternoon, my heart was restless. I said “What if God is calling me to be a priest?” The calling was getting stronger and stronger until one day, when I was about to die drowning, I was almost sure that this was what God wanted me to do.
In 2004 I started seminary formation in Mexico City. Then I came to Bishop Bruté Seminary in Indianapolis. Right now, I am a junior in college. We have prayer everyday, but it is the mass that keeps me firm in my decision. The environment here is good because all of us are aiming to the same goal, holiness. I like to play football, soccer, and racquet ball. I play the guitar and I enjoy listening to music.