Meet our New Seminarian, Cristian Venancio.
My name is Cristian Venancio, and I am entering my first year of seminary at St John Vianney in Miami. I was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida and I am currently 18 years old. I graduated from Southeast High School this year and recently completed a mission for Totus Tuus in the Diocese of Venice.
Throughout my childhood, I attended many parishes around this area but eventually I found my home here at Holy Cross where I received my confirmation. I am proud to belong to this parish as its great religious education program gave me an opportunity to not only grow in faith and knowledge, but also to grow as a catechist by teaching the youth in the 2nd year confirmation classes.
The Lord began putting a desire to become a priest since the age of fourteen. This desire started to grow as I learned more about the Catholic faith and even more when I began to teach in confirmation classes. My love for the sacraments has played a significant part in my vocation and the thought of one day being able to celebrate them brings me so much joy. I do not know what the Lord wants from me, but I do know that I want to spend the rest of my life serving Him.
I am sincerely thankful for the great religious education program, for both Fr Teo and Fr Leszek who serve the parish so faithfully, for the parishioners who make Holy Cross such a welcoming community, and for this beautiful parish. Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this new chapter of formation. Be assured of my prayers for the parish and all who call Holy Cross home.