Profiles

A Mediator to Serve the People

Priestly Formation

“I knew something was missing from my life, my heart was restless, and I had a longing for something more. This yearning led me to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. At the seminary, I am being formed in the image of Jesus Christ the Servant. As a transitional deacon, however, my servanthood is now intimately connected to the sacramental character, configuring me to become God’s living instrument. I hope to have one foot in the Church and one foot in the world – to be a mediator to serve the people.

St. Charles offers amazing theological studies, and there are great professors here who are dedicated to our formation. This is the place to be for young men to discern their call. St. Charles helps us to hear the voice of God and be formed and guided. We cannot know God’s voice by ourselves.

It is vital to give to the Seminary Appeal because we have many programs here that are not just for the priesthood. Your donations are immensely appreciated and help form future priests, like us, who will bring the sacraments to you and your family. We are here to stay and serve you. I am very grateful for all the benefactors and donors who have contributed to my priestly formation."

– Rev. Mr. Ryan Nguyen

A Longing in My Heart

“When I was in high school, I felt a longing in my heart for something deeper. It was an experience on a mission trip that opened my eyes to what God had planned for me. I met many poor and suffering people who were truly happy because they had God in their life. I realized that I needed to put God first. So, I started opening up more and more to God and He opened the door to what He had planned for me. He was calling me to become a priest.

Studying at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary has been a true blessing. I have grown quite a lot since I first walked through the doors here. I have been formed into a better man. The purpose of the seminary is to mold men to discern the call, and a lot goes into this process.

We are so lucky to form our priests for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia so close to home. I feel privileged to go to seminary so close to where I will live my priesthood. I am able to start building relationships with parishes and parishioners. It is important for people to get to know the men who are being formed, as these men will ultimately serve the community.

Year by year, we depend on the funds that individuals are generous enough to give to the Seminary Appeal. The work of our priestly formation cannot continue without that support. We are so grateful that we can experience Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary thanks to our generous benefactors.“

– Rev. Mr. Andrew Lane

Studying at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary has been a true blessing. I have grown quite a lot since I first walked through the doors here. I have been formed into a better man.