Rev. Mr. Guillermo Gonzalez

Theology IV
Mount St. Mary's Seminary
St. Leo the Great Parish

Read more about Deacon Guillermo J. Gonzalez in the Arlington Catholic Herald

What did you do prior to entering seminary?

I entered religious life in 2008 and I was a member of the Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary until I felt more of a call to the diocesan priesthood and applied to be a seminarian for Arlington. As a religious I studied Philosophy and Theology and gained some pastoral experience in schools and parishes.

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

Many things but especially three:
1. Good examples of diocesan priests in the Arlington Diocese.
2. My spiritual director and religious superiors, who were able to see in me a good diocesan priest and transmitted the message to me.
3. The opportunity I had to spend this past year back in the Diocese living my faith and helping others living their faith.

Why do you want to be a priest?

There are many reasons but I will try to summarize them into two:
1. Because, I think God is calling me to become a priest.
2. A desire to help the people of God, especially with the sacraments and in other ways by being Christ for them and bringing his words and actions to his people.

What are your favorite pastimes?

Reading, especially English and Spanish literature and short stories. Playing any sports, especially soccer.

What is your favorite quote?

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”

Who is your favorite Saint and why?

Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Francis of Assisi, because they were both striving to imitate Christ so much and in doing so they came out with a way for other to follow Christ's footprints (a spirituality).

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?

Since a vocation is a call from God:
1. Listen to him and talk to him (pray).
2. Get a good spiritual director and ask your family and friends for good advice.

If there are any other facts about yourself that people might find interesting, you can note them here:

I was born in El Salvador, Central America and I have been a religious living in Madrid, Spain for 8 years.