08/02/2024
A LETTER TO YOUNG MEN WHO HAVE BEEN APPLYING FOR ADMISSION INTO RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS/DIOCESES
Written by: The Seminary Dude
When Samuel graduated from secondary school, he decided to explore the vocation of becoming a Catholic ministerial priest. He applied for admission in his local diocese and took the entrance examination, but unfortunately, he did not make it to the admission list.
Undeterred, Samuel tried again the following year, this time applying to a religious congregation. However, he faced another disappointment as he was not admitted, despite his impressive academic record from a renowned secondary school in his hometown. Concerned about his future, Samuel confided in an older friend who advised him to consider pursuing further studies in a tertiary institution.
Taking this advice to heart, Samuel discussed the matter with his parents. The question now arose: What course should he study considering his aspirations? Samuel knew that before being ordained a Catholic priest, he would be required to study Philosophy and theology. Therefore, he decided that he would pursue a degree in Philosophy at a university before proceeding to study for the priesthood in the seminary.
However, before Samuel applied to study a course, he had a meeting with a seminarian who was on apostolic work in Samuel's parish. During the meeting, Samuel shared his plans with the seminarian. Drawing upon his extensive knowledge of the Catholic Priesthood vocation, the seminarian offered advice to Samuel. He stated that it was not a bad idea for Samuel to study at a university while still considering the possibility of discerning a priestly vocation in the future. The seminarian also mentioned that studying Philosophy would be a suitable choice for Samuel's aspirations. However, he emphasized that before being ordained a priest, it is necessary to undergo courses in both Philosophy and theology.
Therefore, it is not necessary for Samuel to study Philosophy at a secular or any other institution before proceeding to the Seminary.
In addition, “I have noticed that 80 out of 100 congregations and dioceses do not accept young men who have obtained a Philosophy graduate degree from secular universities or institutions outside their specific formation program. Given this information, I would strongly recommend that you consider studying alternative courses such as Psychology, History, Languages and Linguistics, or English Studies instead. Having a degree in one of these fields would for the most part give you an edge over someone who has studied philosophy. From my perspective, it is important to make this choice wisely.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that obtaining a degree in Philosophy does not diminish one's value or detract from their consideration for admission into a congregation or diocese for priesthood formation. In some cases, individuals with a Philosophy degree may have a shorter formation period compared to those without, and they may eventually be ordained Catholic priests. However, it is rare for individuals who have obtained a Philosophy degree from a secular institution outside of the Seminary to be admitted in some congregations and dioceses.
Considering the uncertainty of the future, it would be wise to consider pursuing another course of study in your area of interest or specialization, in case you no longer wish to pursue a path towards becoming a Catholic priest. While I am not discouraging you from pursuing a degree in Philosophy, it is important to be aware of the implications and potential limitations of this choice, as well as other courses of study, before entering the Seminary”
Samuel had a good time discussing with the Seminarian who shared some experiences and encounters he has had in the Seminary over time, the misconceptions he had harbored about the Seminary and the reality he encountered, things he had expected and things he got.
After the discussion, Samuel immersed himself in a deep thought on which course to study and placing the advantages side by side, it was evident that studying a different course other than philosophy was the better option. He discussed with his parents who seem to rely hook, line and sinker on what the seminarian had said. His father then judging from what the seminarian had said encouraged Samuel to choose another course other than philosophy. Samuel decided to apply for Languages and Linguistics. Ultimately, he was successful, and was admitted into the program.
He studied the course for four good years and graduated with a second class upper degree and since he still harbored the aspirations of discerning the priesthood, he applied for admission into a religious congregation in his state, this time around not as someone who had just graduated from secondary school but a graduate with a second class upper degree in Languages and Linguistics. He was admitted for formation towards the ministerial priesthood and having studied for a considerate period of time, he was raised to the order of the presbyterate. His qualification as a linguist gave him much advantage to work as a religious priest in his country. Samuel serves as a Roman Catholic priest to this day!
DEAR ASPIRANT TO THE CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD,
It's hight time we stopped putting so much emphasis on the idea of "From secondary school straight to the Seminary." Getting into a congregation or diocese right after secondary school shouldn't be the only path. Just like Samuel in our story, there is value in going to university first though not always . Some might argue that if you go to university, you might change your mind about becoming a priest, but that just shows that priesthood is truly not your calling. The notion that only a special group of people are meant to be priests is completely false.
Anyone can become a priest if they have the sincere desire and enthusiasm for it. However, not everyone who sincerely wants to become a priest actually ends up becoming a priest and conversely not everyone who is a priest initially had that strong desire to be one.
Now here is the crux of this article. It has gotten to my notice that the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has initiated the sale of forms for individuals seeking admission into tertiary institutions. I strongly advise that you acquire a JAMB form and apply to pursue a course that you believe would be highly advantageous to you, both in your capacity as a priest and as a lay person. This means selecting a course that would enable you to provide for yourself and your family if you choose to marry, or a course that would also be beneficial to you in your role as a priest. It is very pertinent not to find yourself in a situation like that of the applicant who repeatedly applies but becomes disheartened without being admitted or acquiring tertiary education or any valuable cm lucrative skill.
The truth is that some people can get admitted into the seminary either through a religious congregation or diocese immediately after secondary school but some people won't.
Don't be like the guy who kept applying for admission into a religious congregation or diocese even when his father offered to pay his school fees at the tertiary level so the young man could study any course. The young man was hesitant and never a gave a considerate look in that dimension until his father died and he ended up losing on both sides. Don't put your eggs in one basket.
He has not been admitted into any congregation or diocese and he has not attended any tertiary institution. He has nobody that can assume such responsibility of taking care of his fees. All these while, he has regretted the decision he made years back. Right now, he is a teacher in a primary school with a very meagre salary. Most of you have parents or guardians that are willing to sponsor you through tertiary education but it seems you have made it a hobby to apply from one congregation and diocese to the other each year without consideration of your future. It's not a prayer but, it could be that such people won't be around someday to pay for your education or carter for your needs and you would probably end up in regret. Sapere Aude !
Please make hay while the sun shines!
Best regards 💜,
The Seminary Dude