Meet a Seminarian - Adam Gonzales

Name: Adam Gonzales

Age: 22

Date of Birth: Oct. 12

Hometown: Pampa, TX

Where Are You Studying? Conception Seminary College, Conception, MO

The Unique Thing About Where I’m Studying is…Our seminary is run by the monks of Conception Abbey. They are involved in our seminary life in many ways. Many of them are our spiritual directors, administrators and professors.

When Did You Receive Your Call To The Priesthood? I received my call to Priesthood at a young age. I think I was about 8 or 9 years old. I went a while really wondering whether what I was feeling was for real or just an idea put into my head by others. I left the thought of priesthood alone for a short while during middle and high school, but still felt the call. I graduated from Holy Cross Catholic Academy in May 2007. I entered college seminary in the Fall of 2007.

Most Interesting Thing About The Seminary Life…Life in seminary is seldom boring. Despite the seldom-changing routine of prayer, classes and various meetings, there is always something going on at the seminary. Our seminary community is made up of young men from different states and countries. Each guy contributes to the community by bringing with him his background and upbringing.

Hobbies: I write poetry, study MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), enjoy reading and listening to music. I also enjoy mountain biking when the weather allows.

Favorite Movie(s): Hmm…this is tough…I enjoy anything Disney/Pixar, psychological thrillers, and most comedies.

Favorite Book(s): The Harry Potter Series, Above His Shoulders, books about psychology and criminal minds and just about any good thriller.

Favorite Television Show(s): I very seldom watch television.

Favorite Sports Team(s): Texas A&M (Whoop!), other than that, I don’t watch much sports.

Role Models: My pastor, Monsignor Harold Waldow. He has always been supportive of me and the wisdom he has shared with me has helped me to be a better Christian man.

Target Date For Ordination: Not quite sure. It’s not something I’ve begun planning yet.

Words Of Wisdom For Those Discerning Their Vocation? A favorite quote of mine from Henry David Thoreau has helped me in times when I feel afraid of following my call, especially since it is one that is not considered “normal” by most people my age.
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”--Henry David Thoreau

Don’t be afraid to march to the unique call you hear in your heart, wherever it may lead you.