Responding to God's Call/Seminarian Luis de Dios Hernandez

IC Archive photo

+ Enlarge

Editor’s note: This is one in a series of personal vocation stories from seminarians, religious women, deacons and priests in the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

“Better yet, let us be like Jesus.”

I truly believe that God uses people as instruments to encounter others. That is what I have experienced.

I am very sure my vocation was born when I met a wonderful priest; his name was Zeferino. He became the instrument of God. He was the voice of God telling me, “Follow me.” I remember I used to go everywhere with him. He truly loved his vocation and ministry. He made me want to serve others. Once I said, “Father, I would like to be like you,” and he answered, “Better yet, let us be like Jesus. He is our Lord and savior. I am his server.”  

Since that moment I recognized that God was calling me. Following Jesus is the best decision I have ever made. My vocation is a great opportunity to serve and give my life to others. It is a continuous “Yes” to God. I truly believe that when you give your life totally and completely, God takes care of keeping you safe on your journey. The community is where seminarians and priests find the fulfillment of their vocation. All of them have been called to serve the community. In the community is where we can find the Messiah, the community is the one we protect as shepherds. The true abandonment to the community is the result of the conviction of my reality as a server of the community.

If you feel that God is calling you, do not use the lame answer that “This path is not for me” because no one knows you better that your heavenly Father. If he wants you to follow Him, please respond to him generously and freely. The path is not going to be easy but those brave followers are not going to be alone. God will always be with you.

Luis de Dios Hernandez will begin his pastoral year on Aug. 1 at St. Ann Parish. When he returns to Mount Angel Seminary he will be in his third year of theology.