Rico Landavazo.

Seminarian Information

Fun Facts

Current Seminary: Configuration/Theology 2 at Mt. Angel Seminary, Oregon
Proposed Priestly Ordination: 2027
Hometown: Santa Fe, NM
High School: Santa Fe High School
College: N/A
Home Parish: Santa Maria de la Paz, Santa Fe
Parents: Michael Landavazo and Valerie Medrano Garcia
Number of Siblings: One older brother
Favorite Saints: St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Joseph, St. Katherine Drexel
Hobbies: Cooking, and spending time with family

Vocation Story

It was while I was a Confirmation catechist at Santa Maria de la Paz working with youth that my call to priesthood became clear and strong. I enjoyed teaching the faith and journeying with people in the Christian life, and this really drew me toward the priesthood. It was also in prayer that I realized that without the priest there is no Eucharist. Realizing this showed me that God was inviting me to answer the call to priesthood. At that point I talked with my family and contacted the Vocation Director in order to take a step forward in my discernment and ultimately I entered seminary.

Who or what inspires you to be a priest?

I want to be able to continue the work of Jesus on earth in a special way in the priesthood. Many people need healing, and they also need a community to support them. The priest can help with these two needs by offering the sacraments, and by bringing people into the Catholic community.

Why Santa Fe?

I feel called to serve the people of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, not simply because I am from here, but because of the unique culture and particular Church that is in New Mexico. A large part of that culture is the love that the people have for their faith and their Church. I have also received the people of this Archdiocese’s love and care, and I want to return it to them.

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.