Seminarians prepare to serve in the diocese

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
Jan. 10, 2008

Three of the seminarians preparing to be priests in the Diocese of Sioux City are studying at Conception Seminary College in Conception, Mo.

Joaquin Guerrero, a native of Querenddro, Michoacan, Mexico, is in his second year at Conception Seminary.

"I studied in Morelia for four years before I came here," said Guerrero. "I was in a seminary that is a missionary and they send you to another diocese to work in. When I came here, they sent me to Conception to learn the language."

He said his motivation to continue in the seminary is his family.

"They are very happy with what I am doing. They support me," said Guerrero. "My grandma is a very religious woman. She supports me a lot. My friends that I have here and my brothers like the idea that I am here."

The language has been a challenge for him, but he is learning a lot about his weaknesses and strengths. He learns more every day and understands the language better all the time.

Chris Ciaffa of St. Joseph Parish in Le Mars is in his first year at Conception Seminary. He said he felt called to the priesthood through friends telling him he would be a good priest and after attending a retreat. He said things are going well so far.

"It is more than I expected - getting to know people and make new friends," said Ciaffa. "I am doing things I probably wouldn't do normally."

David Esquiliano, a native of Southeast Mexico, is doing his pre-theology study at Conception Seminary. He said the example of his pastors in Mexico drew him to consider the priesthood.

"I remember only having Irish pastors serving the Mexican community," said Esquiliano. "They left their country, family and learned a new language. I think that was one of the main things that brought me to the priesthood."

He said his family has also been part of his vocation. Since he was about 6 or 7 years old he was involved in many different parish groups.

"Even though I have faults, I want to do my part," said Esquiliano. He added that at this point things are going "so far so good. I can't complain."

He was in seminary before, 10 years ago, so going to seminary wasn't a new thing for him.

"It has been better than I expected," Esquiliano concluded.

These are just three of the seminarians that are studying to be priests in the Diocese of Sioux City. Some other seminarians are also attending Conception Seminary and others are studying in Rome and at different seminaries such as St. John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. and Saint Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Ind.

For more information about the seminarians, visit the diocesan Web site at www.scdiocese.org and click on vocations.