Editor’s note: The Serra Club is working with The Catholic Miscellany to provide a series of profiles on the Diocese of Charleston’s seminarians.
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.—Seminarian Pedro Silva is currently in his pastoral year and expects to be ordained in 2022.
Who is a person you admire and why?
St. Don Bosco is the person I admire most, other than Jesus. His soul was filled with the love of God, which overflowed into the hearts of so many young people. What makes Don Bosco stand out to me is his boldness. He deeply and profoundly loved the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, and had a deep filial devotion to Mama Mary. These characteristics gave him a boldness to love and serve without fear.
How did you discern the direction of your vocation?
My heart seemed to be naturally drawn to the priesthood, which was strange to me because I had this burning desire to give myself to a beautiful woman and have beautiful babies together. However, when I was a youth minister, one of my students told me and the group: “I saw Jesus in Pedro, because it was the first time I experienced the love of a father.” I am a crybaby, so I cried. The next day, I brought this to prayer and I just heard this still whisper saying: “I am calling you to be a father to those who don’t have one.” One statement made me drop everything and follow Him.
What are your skills and talents that you bring to your vocation?
Sports, public speaking, writing, and I know how to have a good time.
When you were around 10 or 11 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Man, I wanted to be a soccer player and a priest as well.
What do you want people to remember you for?
As a good-hearted man who joyfully laid it all down for the love of Christ and His people, but with a lightheartedness and joy that was both arresting and beautiful. I desire to be a saint — a saint who zealously and humbly loved Jesus and Mama Mary with an undivided love.
Name three words that describe you.
Strong, tender, and playful — a bear.
What is the pastime that you are happiest doing?
When I have time to sit down and read a good novel. A good novel is an escape from reality into reality.
What are some causes that you care about?
The family — I am most passionate about this one — youth and the poor.
What would you say would be your personal motto?
“For you I work, for you I study, for you I live, for you I am ready to even give my life.” – Don Bosco
“There is only one great tragedy in life, not to become a saint.”
