Didier Montoya

Background

I come from a Catholic family in Medellin, Colombia; composed by seven people including me. Though I was born in Granada, a little town close to Medellin, when I was 2 years old, we moved to Medellin where I grew up.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I particularly enjoy going to the movie theater (my favorite kind of movies are about comedy, action, history, or movies that bring a deep message within). Additionally, I enjoy reading Philosophy, hiking, playing Uno and to spend time with family and friends.

What is one of your favorite scriptures?

“Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or trouble, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” Romans 8: 35-39

Who is your favorite saint and why?

St. Philip Neri, because he is the saint of joy and happiness “Christian Joy is a gift of God”.

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

My vocation story starts when I visited my home parish church in my neighborhood, I was not a fervent catholic, but I was sure that inside of the Church I was able to find silence and peace. For this reason, I started going every day to the Church after school, and over time I found myself going to the Holy Sacrament of the Altar every day. When I was in senior year in high school, I went to pray and the thought of becoming a priest came to my mind. Though I wanted to become either a journalist or a lawyer, my call grew to that point that I obeyed the Voice of God and presented my application to the Diocese. Currently, I am in my junior year of college.

What is seminary life like for you?

For me, seminary is like the stove where the bread is baked. My time in the seminary has been a time of personal growth, a place where I feel at home, and where I enjoy. Being in seminary has been an opportunity to know more about the discipleship of Christ, the Catholic Church, and priestly formation.

What do you look forward to about being a priest?

I have to say that I cannot wait for pronouncing the Words of Jesus at the Celebration of the Eucharist (Anamnesis). Also, to help others to find the Mercy of God in the sacrament of reconciliation, being a priest and a father for the Bride of Christ, the Church. In other words, I look forward to bringing Christ to his beloved ones.

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

“Do not be afraid” St. John Paul II. In this vocation, I will not promise you that all your work will be successful, but I promise you that your work will bear great fruits for eternal life. You will not have great luxuries, but you will be enriched with heavenly treasures, you will not put an end to suffering, but you will bring hope wherever you are.