Seminarian studies English language skills in Fort Dodge

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Jan. 11, 2007

Among the seminarians preparing to serve as priests in the Diocese of Sioux City are several men who are natives of Mexico. One of these seminarians is Gabino Oliva.

Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, Gabino recently completed seminary studies at Our Lady of Guadelupe Seminary in Mexico City. He is presently completing language studies that will lead him to ordination in the transitional diaconate and priesthood. He has been living and studying English in Fort Dodge since August.

"The bishop had said to me that it would be good for me to stay in Fort Dodge to learn English," he said. "I need to learn it for my next work - for ministry in the diocese."

His first contact with the Diocese of Sioux City was about four years ago when Father Brian Hughes, vocations director of the diocese, visited Mexican seminaries in search of men who would consider serving as missionary priests to minister to the Hispanic population in this diocese.

Gabino's first visit to the diocese came in December of 2003. He made a second trip to the diocese in the summer of 2004 when he and six other seminarians spent two months here on what was called a pastoral experience. It was a chance for the young men to get a taste of the local culture and help them discern if they would be interested in studying to become priests for the diocese.

The Mexican seminarian opted to commit to serve in the diocese because he sees the need to serve the Hispanic population here. It is desirable for people to have access to Mass and the sacraments in their native language.

"There are many needs," he said.

In the Globe interview, Gabino completed most of the interview on his own but was aided partially through an interpreter, Holy Trinity parishioner Mary Avelleyra. Her parents were originally from Mexico and she studied up on Spanish when she began to help with the Hispanic ministry in Fort Dodge in about the year 2000. She is one of a few Spanish-speaking parishioners who have been assisting Gabino with assimilation to the language and culture in the diocese.

According to Avelleyra, Gabino has progressed not only in his use of the English language but in getting to know the people of the area. He attends the Spanish Mass in Fort Dodge each Saturday and often participates as an altar server. On the first Sunday of the month, Gabino goes to Estherville to help Father Jerry Cosgrove with the Mass through translating parts of the liturgy and homily in Spanish.

Gabino leads a Bible study in Spanish for people of the area, visits people in nursing homes and visits the sick in hospitals with the local priests. The seminarian also visits six retired priests who live at the Marian Home and those visits have helped him practice English.

"In the times that I have been with Gabino, such as in visits to the nursing homes, people are very happy to see him," noted Avelleyra. "He has a way of forming a good relationship with people."

Through private tutors, classes at the library and night classes, Gabino studies English from 12 to 18 hours per week.

"It is very important because I will help all people - American and Hispanic people - two cultures," he said. "I want to be able to celebrate the sacraments for all people because there is only one church."

Having been in this country since August, this is the longest time he has spent in the United States and that is paying off as his language skills continue to progress.

He mentioned that he is learning the language better all of the time and he is also learning more about the situations and needs of the people here.

Gabino asked for the prayers of the people of the diocese to help him as he works towards ordination in the diocese.