Diocesan seminarian studies language, history in Mexico

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Jan. 11, 2007

SIBLEY - While some Mexican seminarians who are studying to become priests in the Diocese of Sioux City are presently learning the English language, two natives of the diocese went to Mexico last summer to work on their Spanish language skills.

One of those young men was Brian Feller, a third year college seminarian student. He is the son of Joseph and Jane Feller, residents of Sibley. Feller, 21, is the youngest of four children.

He spent about two months in Mexico, studying Spanish and learning about Mexican history. Feller was accompanied by a fellow diocesan seminarian, Pat Behm, a native of Alta and parishioner at St. Mary Church in Storm Lake. Feller, who had no Spanish-language skills prior to the trip, said he was thankful that Behm was there because he knew at least some. The seminarians participated in this educational experience at the suggestion of Father Brian Hughes, vocations director of the diocese.

Feller recalled his exciting first day in Mexico and remembered that the airport was so busy, the airplane didn't even have a place at a gate. The plane was parked and a truck pulled up and raised its bed to the level of the plane exit.

After making it to the terminal, a Mexican seminarian who is studying for the Diocese of Sioux City, Succes Jeanty, met them at the airport and they piled into a cab. Feller remembers reaching for the seatbelt, but there were no buckles. His first impression of Mexico City was that it was huge and went on forever. He said the driver drove like crazy and they were even in a minor accident - but didn't bother to stop - before reaching the seminary where they stayed.

"It got more exciting after an hour or two and Success says he was going to the basilica to an ordination. The Basilica of Guadalupe is where the tilma is of Our Lady. Fifteen men were going to be ordained to the priesthood by a cardinal," noted Feller. "We were tired, but we wanted to go."

They even had the opportunities to attend some of the receptions and it gave them a chance to meet many people.

"It was a huge day - experiencing so much," he said.

He found the entire time in Mexico to be a valuable and educational experience.

"(Spanish language skills) is something we need in the church in this day and age in this place because we have so many of our fellow brothers and sisters who speak Spanish," said Feller. "It is important that future leaders in this area know Spanish. That is what gave me motivation and continues to give me motivation not to let go of the Spanish language."

They stayed at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary and studied initially at a local Catholic college but as time progressed, the professors came to them at the seminary. The studies in Mexico earned him college credit for Spanish and history at St. Thomas.

"We had classes four days a week and on the fifth day, we would have a field trip as part of the cultural, historical experience," noted Feller.

In addition to learning Spanish, becoming aware of their history and how that relates to their culture today has been a plus.

"We don't just learn Spanish to know the people, we have to learn the culture and where they come from, what are their common beliefs that bring them together as a people." He added, "We have common beliefs with them because we are all Catholic in the church but within the church there is diversity due to the different cultures."

Along with the classes, he learned much from families who befriended them. Through friends they made, they attended a youth group and even had the chance to teach a class.

The Mexican people's welcoming spirit and generosity impressed him greatly.

This experience, along with others at the seminary will aid him in the discernment process.

Upon graduating from Sibley-Ocheyedan High School in May of 2004, he attended Iowa State for one year. The priesthood remained on his mind and because the thought was not going away, he contacted Father Brian Hughes and proceeded to enter St. John Vianney College Seminary on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.

He mentioned that while he is still discerning his call to the priesthood, he views it as "very much an option. I hope to be open to whatever it is that God is calling me to."