Our diocesan seminarians will have another potential place to complete their theological studies after their initial years of formation at St. Junipero Serra House of Formation in Grand Terrace. Currently, seminarians spend four to five years at Serra House studying philosophy before studying theology at either St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California, or Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas; but some seminarians will now also attend Mundelein Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.
The story of how this came about is an interesting one: Bishop Alberto Rojas, who was ordained a priest and later an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and who actually taught at Mundelein Seminary from 2002-2009, was speaking with a friend from Chicago, who unexpectedly offered a full scholarship for one of our seminarians to attend Mundelein for four years.
However, Bishop Rojas felt it would be better to send at least two seminarians there, so that they would not be the only seminarian from our diocese there. His friend generously offered not two, but three full scholarships instead. The Diocese decided to send two seminarians there to start: Oliver Garcia-Tirado and Larry Curtis. There is the possibility of continuing to send seminarians to Mundelein on an ongoing basis but it has not been decided yet.
Father Hau Vu, Vocations Director for the Diocese, said he feels very happy about this new option and is grateful for the generous donor as well as the support of Catholic Extension, which also helped make this possible.
“When I reflect on this incredible chain of events, I can’t help but see it as more than just mere coincidence,” said Fr. Vu. “I like to think of it as divine providence at work, paving the way to ensure our seminarians receive the education they deserve at Mundelein.”
“I’m brimming with excitement and hope ... Mundelein has carved out a stellar reputation as a top-notch seminary, molding strong, loving and Christ-like future priests,” added Fr. Vu.