I grew up in Cartersville, Georgia. I attended Cartersville High School until my sophomore year, then transferred to Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, where I graduated. My home parish is St. Francis of Assisi in Cartersville.

We are a family of five, with both my dad and mom originally from Mexico. I have an older brother and a younger sister, and I have a good relationship with both of them. I also spend a lot of time with two cousins during the weekends, and I love being with each of my family members.

I love playing soccer, running, spike ball, and pickleball. I also enjoy drawing, even though I’m not very good at it. Some things I am really interested in are learning to play the piano and trying wildlife photography.

One of my favorite scriptures is Matthew 5:3-10, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven… Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This is where Jesus gives us the Beatitudes. I love this because it is a map to find Jesus through those groups of people.

My favorite saint is San José Sánchez del Río. I relate to many things that happened in his life. When he was 14, he decided to join the Cristeros as a flag bearer during the Cristero War (1926-1929). He told his mother, “It has never been so easy to earn heaven as it is now, and I do not want to miss the chance.”

To me, this is very inspiring, that a 14-year-old was willing to give up his life for his faith. He also plays a significant role in why I aspire to be a priest.

During my sophomore year of high school, I faced many struggles in deciding what I wanted to do with my life afterward. Eventually, through my mother, I attended a Come & See that initiated my discernment. I continued to struggle with figuring out my true calling, and in May of 2024, during my junior year, I watched a YouTube video about a priest who shared his story and asked the Lord for a sign. I did the same for two weeks, but I never told the Lord what sign I really wanted. After many ups and downs in my prayer life, I finally received the sign I was seeking— a dream of being ordained to the priesthood.

This is the best time of my life. It is the most beautiful, the most joy that I have experienced in my life, is being in the seminary.

I look forward to many things, but the one I look forward to most is celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation. Jesus tells Saint Faustina two things: “The flames of mercy are burning me. I desire to pour them out upon human souls. Oh, what pain they cause me when they do not accept them,” and “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to my mercy.” That is how I feel, and I want to help others accept His mercy, to recognize that they have that right, and to not be afraid in doing so.

If you are thinking about the priesthood, I encourage you to attend Mass and spend at least 20 minutes in Eucharistic Adoration to deepen your relationship with God. Try to talk to other priests, especially your parish priest. Be patient and open to whatever the Lord desires from you. If you ever feel that He might be calling you toward something more, whatever it may be, do not be afraid to say yes—just take the first step.