A day in the life of a seminarian
Where is God calling you?What does it mean to give your life to something greater?
In A Day in the Life of a Vincentian Seminarian, Erick, a Vincentian seminarian, invites us to walk with him and experience the rhythm of seminary life—formed by prayer, study, service, and brotherhood.
From the quiet stillness of communal morning prayer and the celebration of daily Mass, to classes at St. John’s University where a Vincentian professor reminds students that we are all called to be missionary disciples, we witness a life shaped by purpose. Erick shares how in the formation house, there is no competition or judgment—only true camaraderie, mutual support, and the joy of a shared call.
We follow him into a Home Depot parking lot, where he serves coffee, sandwiches and companionship to day laborers, and shares the comfort of Christ — to a homebound parishioner. On Sundays, Erick travels the New York subway to visit different Catholic churches, reminding himself that his vocation is not about him—it’s about being with God’s people.
Inspired by the life and mission of St. Vincent de Paul, Erick embodies the Vincentian call to bring the Good News to the poor, and to encounter Christ in everyone he meets.
We meet people in need
Vincentian seminarians open up about their apostolic work in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. From sharing faith and friendship with migrant day laborers in a Home Depot parking lot to bringing Communion to the homebound, they reflect on the powerful impact—and deep emotions—that come with serving the poor and marginalized. This is what living the Vincentian mission looks like.