Cristian Arrellano

Background 

I grew up in a little town called Pueblo Hondo, Tachira State, Venezuela. I come from a family where I have two-uncle priests. I got catholic formation as a child thanks to my mother. When I was 12 years old, I decided to begin a seminary experience because I wanted to be a priest. I received nine years of priesthood formation (5 years in high school and 4 of Philosophy).

What are your hobbies and interests?

My favorite hobbies are playing ping-pong, listening to podcasts and music, and spending time on trips.

What is one of your favorite scriptures?

I like chapter 15 of Luke’s Gospel because it is the Gospel of mercy. And this reminds me that I’m invited to the party to celebrate the return of my brothers.

Who is your favorite saint and why?

My favorite saint is St. Francis of Assisi because he teaches us how we can live the Gospel loving all creatures as siblings.

In a nutshell, what is your vocation story? How did you feel called to the priesthood?

My priesthood calling began when I was a child because I have two uncles that are priests, and I said to myself that I would like to be like them. When they visited me, I liked joining them in meetings, masses, and prayers. I decided to enter the seminary in 2010. Then with the advice of my formator, I began to understand that vocation is a calling from God to serve and help save souls by preaching the Gospel to the excluded people and giving oneself to the Church.

I was in the seminary in Venezuela for 9 years. In 2019, I left the seminary and moved to the coast of Venezuela where I studied English and history. In 2021, I moved back to my house where I was working with my family, but I still had the wish in my heart to be a priest. I began the application process for the Archdiocese of Atlanta in the same year. Now I’m at Saint John Vianney College Seminary responding to this call.

What is seminary life like for you?

Life in the seminary is to experience God because we can pray every day, and learn many things about human thoughts in philosophy. You can discover true friendships with people of different cultures. You can do charity activities with your brothers inside and out of the seminary. This experience shapes our growth in human and spiritual life.

What do you look forward to about being a priest?

I hope to serve people with a loving heart. I would like to discover every day a merciful God, and I would like to show this God to those excluded from society.

What advice do you have for other guys thinking about the priesthood?

If you are thinking of priesthood, don’t be afraid, remember God is with you and He is calling you no matter your defects. Open your heart. God gives you many gifts so you can serve your brothers with bountiful joy.