Christmas is almost here, when we take pause and count our many blessings. Deacon Luis Marquez of the Diocese of Brooklyn is grateful for many things, and today he talks with Msgr. Bill Fay about one particular special blessing he holds – being on the road to priesthood. Hear about the winding path he took despite God calling him at a very young age. What did he witness? What did he hear? Native to Medellín, Columbia, Deacon Luis came to the United States as a teenager. Seeing a different way of life and Catholic faith when he arrived, he decided to explore a steady career path and put off considering religious life. Finally, one experience cemented for him the strength of God’s call and Luis entered Pope St. John XXIII. According to Luis, at the Seminary “we live like brothers” and work together toward one goal. Hear his joy at being close to ordination and returning to a diocese where Mass is celebrated in 22 different languages every Sunday! For the support the faculty and PSJS community gives him toward his vocation, Deacon Luis says, “I will always praise this place.”

Deacon Luis attended the Minor Seminary of the Archdiocese of Medellín before he emigrated with his family to the United States. He went on to receive a degree in modern language and become a Spanish teacher before answering God’s call. Deacon Luis is scheduled to be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn in spring 2024.