The Serra Club is working with The Catholic Miscellany to provide a series of profiles on the Diocese of Charleston’s seminarians.
CHARLESTON—Erik Roman is starting his first year of theological studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla., after having completed four years of college at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas. His expected ordination date is June 2024.
Who do you admire and why?
The people I admire the most are my parents, who have sacrificed so much in raising my brothers and me. I hope to mirror their resilience in life.
How did you discern your vocation?
The main component when discerning a vocation is silent prayer, which is often difficult when you belong to a large family, yet it is imperative in order to hear where God may be calling you.
What are the talents that you bring to your vocation?
I truly enjoy working with and getting to know people. I also love music and singing.
What is a typical day for you?
In the seminary it consists of an early wake up time, communal prayer, classes, and recreation. At home it’s more of a lax schedule, but I continue to focus on maintaining my prayer life as well as catching up with friends and family.
Which is your favorite place to travel and why?
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, where one is immediately reminded of the omnipotence of God. I love to be reminded to fear the Lord amidst beauty.
When you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
For most of my life I wanted to be involved in sports marketing. At that age it probably looked more like being a sports anchor.
What do you want people to remember you for?
I hope to continue to grow in simplicity and detachment from my possessions. This is a difficult task especially in today’s world where everything is so easy to get.
Name three words that describe you.
Confident, caring, light-hearted.
What is a pet peeve of yours?
I really do not appreciate when I am having a conversation with someone and they begin looking at their phone.
What publications do you regularly read?
I enjoy reading Men’s Health, the sports section in my local paper, and the National Catholic Register. And, of course, The Miscellany!
What is the pastime that you are happiest doing?
I love playing soccer with friends.
What is a cause that you care about?
The cause that speaks against abortion. Until we can abolish abortion, in which the most vulnerable among us are treated so horribly, then our morality will continue to deteriorate.
What would you say would be your personal motto?
The wise words of Padre Pio, though difficult, are something I often try to ponder: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”
The Serra Club of Charleston is a member of the USA branch of Serra International with the goal of nurturing vocations around the world. For more information, email Debra Dinolfo at debdinolfo@gmail.com.
