Michael Villavicencio.

Seminarian Information

Fun Facts

Current Seminary: onfiguration/Theology 3 at Theological College at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC
Proposed Priestly Ordination: May of 2025; Diaconate Ordination is proposed to be May 16th, 2024.
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
High School: Homeschooled (Seton Home Study School)
College: N/A
Home Parish: Risen Savior
Parents: Vincent and JoAnn Villavicencio
Number of Siblings: I have two siblings, both brothers, one older and one younger
Favorite Saints: My favorite saint is Saint Vincent DePaul, who is also my confirmation saint.
Hobbies: I grew up playing baseball, and since entering seminary I’ve gotten into volleyball. I also enjoy learning about and teaching sacred music, and playing the organ at seminary mass.

Vocation Story

I grew up in a faith-filled home with love for God and the Church. I was steeped in faith from the beginning and my years of being homeschooled cultivated my openness to discerning the priesthood. After learning about St. Vincent de Paul, I felt the desire to serve the people of God in the same way that he did in his priestly ministry: caring for the poor and children in need.

Who or what inspires you to be a priest?

My first pastor, Msgr. Richard Olona. He was always so present to the community and encouraged me to keep being an altar server as a way to grow in my love for the Mass. Being up close at the altar, I saw in him this love for the Church and his flock, which heavily influenced my desire to serve the Church in the same way. He was the priestly example I needed at an early age to consider the call to become a priest.

Why Santa Fe?

I love the culture and faith that the people of God bring to one another in this Archdiocese. I have come to love and appreciate the local Church of Santa Fe as I continue my formation. They have always been supportive and are always looking out for each other, a truly beautiful example of what Church is all about. I am also very grateful for the infectious joy that the priests in the Archdiocese bestow upon the people of God that is so unique; they are great examples for me in my formation.

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.