SBVOC, February, 25, 2025
We have been blessed this year to have a handful of young men say "yes" to God and begin their seminarian journey in their propaedeutic year at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio. We asked one of these young men, Isaiah Valenzuela, to share how his journey has been so far—the challenges he has faced, the blessings he has received, and how the seminarian brotherhood provides support when leaving home for seminary.
Here is his reflection:
Starting my propaedeutic year, I wasn’t totally sure what to expect. I knew it was meant to be a time to focus on prayer, formation, and discernment, but I didn’t realize just how much it would challenge and change me. Looking back, I can see how this year has been way more than just an “introduction” to seminary it has been a time to slow down, go deeper in my faith, and really ask the big question: Is God calling me to the priesthood?
One of the biggest things about this year is learning how to pray in a real, consistent way. It’s not just about saying prayers but actually building a relationship with Christ. Daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration and silent prayer have helped me realize how much I need to be with Jesus, not just talk about Him. Some days are great, others are tough, but this time has helped me see that prayer is not about feelings it’s about showing up and letting God work in me.
Then there’s the community aspect. Living with a group of guys who are all discerning creates a unique kind of brotherhood. We pray together, eat together, and sometimes just joke around after a long day. It’s a reminder that no one is doing this alone.
There are also spiritual directors and formators who help us grow not by pressuring us, but by giving us the space and tools to really understand ourselves and what God might be calling us to. Of course, it’s not all easy. Letting go of distractions, getting real about your weaknesses, and learning discipline can be tough. But that’s kind of the point. This year isn’t about trying to prove you are ready to be a priest, it’s about letting God form you into the man He’s calling you to be, wherever that leads. The struggles are part of the process, and honestly, I have learned a lot from them.
If you are discerning the priesthood, I’d say this year is 100% worth it. It gives you the space to focus, to grow, and to really figure out if this life is for you. No matter what happens next, I know this year has changed me for the better, and I’m grateful for every part of it. yes, even the hard days.
Isaiah’s propaedeutic year has been a journey of deep transformation. What started as an uncertain step into seminary life quickly became an opportunity to slow down, grow in prayer, and truly discern God’s call. He’s learned that prayer isn’t about feelings but about consistency—showing up for daily Mass, Adoration, and silent reflection, allowing God to work in him. Even in the struggles, he sees how this year has shaped him, not by proving his readiness for priesthood, but by forming him into the man God is calling him to be.
Community has also played a key role in his growth. Living with other men who are discerning has created a unique brotherhood, offering both support and accountability. Formators and spiritual directors provide guidance, not pressure, allowing him to honestly wrestle with his vocation. While discipline and self-awareness can be challenging, he recognizes their value in shaping his heart for God’s will. No matter where his path leads next, he knows this year has been life-changing—one of growth, surrender, and gratitude, even for the hard days.
Let us pray for Isaiah and these young men as they begin a long and rigorous journey to, God willing, one day becoming priests and shepherds for our diocese.
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