The Diocese of Salt Lake City has welcomed two new seminarians from Estipac, Jalisco, Mexico, as part of an effort to respond to the growing need for priests. Juan Pablo Arenas and Bruno Salinas have arrived to pursue their religious formation and are currently learning English as a second language at the University of Utah.
Father André Sicard, assistant director of the diocesan Office of Vocations, stated that seminarians serve as a visible witness to God's call within families and the local Church. He noted that the diocese has a long history of accepting seminarians and priests from outside the diocese to serve as missionaries.
Both men have extensive experience in seminary formation. Arenas, 27, previously graduated from a minor seminary and was encouraged to come to Utah by Father Javier Virgen, a retired priest with the diocese. Salinas, 26, has completed years of studies in philosophy and theology in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and previously worked as a teacher.
Once they achieve proficiency in English, Arenas and Salinas will continue their seminary studies at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon. The diocese remains committed to welcoming international seminarians who meet established requirements to help meet the immediate need for priests in local parishes.
