Martin Umeatuegbu.

Seminarian Information

Fun Facts

Current Seminary: 2nd Year Theology at North American College, Rome
Proposed Priestly Ordination: 2026
Hometown: Ezinifite, Anambra State, Nigeria
High School: Christ the King College, Onitsha, Nigeria
College: N/A
Home Parish: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Albuquerque
Parents: Geoffrey and Justina Umeatuegbu
Number of Siblings: I am one of 8 children
Favorite Saints: Saints Alphonsus Liguori, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross
Hobbies: I enjoy writing and teaching, cracking jokes to give hope to wounded people, discussing concepts in my Igbo culture, playing and analyzing soccer.

Vocation Story

My desire to be a priest has its foundation in my rich Catholic family spiritual and educational background as a graduate of Philosophy and Theology/Religious studies. This background made me believe that everyone has a moral and spiritual gene of holiness deep within, and that the Lord wills my fulfillment in sanctity as His priest. This has been deepened in my present formation at the Pontifical North American College, Rome, in my diploma in Mysticism at the Universidad Católica de Santa Teresa de Jesús, Ávila (Spain), and my present pursuit of Licentiate studies with specialization in Spirituality at the Pontifical Angelicum University, Rome. My relational devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Saints also shaped my priestly desire.

Who or what inspires you to be a priest?

I am inspired by the lives of saintly priests like Damien of Molokai and Thomas Byles of the Titanic ship, especially the sacrifices they made risking their lives for souls to be saved. These holy men remind me that the priesthood is a call to sacrifice one’s time and talent for God and His people.

Why Santa Fe?

I desire to be a priest for Santa Fe for three reasons: because of the rich Catholic history she has, because of great need for priests, and because she is named after the First Theological virtue – Santa Fe (Holy Faith).

I first became connected with the Vocations Office at a retreat in February, 2012. I had no idea what to expect out of seminary, or even if I should join to begin with. But when I met with them, the Office was able to answer all of my questions and I left the meeting having signed up. The Vocations team accompanied me every step of the way for seven years on my road to the priesthood.

Throughout the discernment process, the Office of Vocations provided solid support, always seeking my best interest. They were a reliable source of guidance, answering questions and offering direction. I felt like I had an ally in them, someone who truly cared about my success and well-being. I strongly believe in the leadership and guidance provided by the Office of Vocations and their commitment to helping men discern the call to the priesthood.

When I was a student at UNM, I got to know the Vocation Director for the Archdiocese, and he invited me to attend the yearly vocation discernment retreat which the Office of Vocations sponsored. After that experience, I realized that God wanted me to attend seminary, and although I didn't quite know what that process entailed, the Office of Vocations helped me navigate all the steps of applying as well as providing necessary financial support to attend seminary. Throughout the whole seminary process, the Office of Vocations continued to support me and also arranged my parish assignments and seminarian retreats. I'm grateful for their immense help in bringing me to that joyful day of priestly ordination and for their continued work in helping others walk the path of discernment.I strongly believe in the leadership and guidance provided by the Office of Vocations and their commitment to helping men discern the call to the priesthood.

I remember reaching out to the Vocations Office when I first started applying to seminary. They were very supportive and responsive to my questions as a brand new seminarian and kept me up to date on application requirements, such as sacramental records and other evaluations, so that I could enter seminary in a timely manner. With their help I was able to smoothly transition into seminary life!

When I was progressing in formation, I felt the need to get more experience in a parish in order to discern the call better. I reached out to the Vocations Office to see if they would allow me to do a pastoral year. They were relaxed about the whole thing, not pressuring me one way or another. They just wanted to help me discern what God wanted me to do. I appreciated that very much, and the pastoral year was a fruitful episode in my formation journey.

Here for you.

God speaks in your silent prayer. He also speaks through Holy Mother Church. Don’t discern your vocation alone. The priests of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe are on this journey with you.

Connect with us today so that together we can see what God is up to.