Seminarian Sebastián Barbosa García is in his second year of theological studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida. His course of studies places his ordination year in 2023.
Who is a person you admire and why?
Jacques Cathelineau is one of my favorite heroes. He was a devout Catholic and merchant in the region of La Vendee in France during the time of the French Revolution.
After seeing the atrocities of the Revolution, he joined a group of Vendean peasants loyal to the king and the Catholic Church to fight against the First French Republic. Fighting under the slogan of “God and King,” the group grew quickly and became known as the Catholic and Royal Army, of which Cathelineau became the Generalissimo (5-star general) at only 34 years of age.
Cathelineau is an example for Catholic men today for his courage and zeal to protect their country and Holy Mother Church from her enemies.
Of the places you have traveled, which is your favorite?
The Borghese Gallery in Rome is, by far, one of my favorite spots. I visited this museum in my mid-20s and it was here where I saw Bernini’s sculpture “Apollo and Daphne”. This piece of art awoke my soul to beauty in a profound way and its effects are still with me today.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a fighter pilot who took down enemy planes in very dangerous missions. “Top Gun” was a great inspiration. I also wanted to be an infantry soldier/sniper. I took a lot of material from movies like “The Rock”, “Enemy at the Gates”, and “Black Hawk Down” to play with my brother, Santiago.
What is your favorite pastime?
I thoroughly enjoy listening to music. When I was a kid my dad used to play opera, symphonies, chamber music, folk-rock, disco music, and Colombian folk music.
My siblings and I had a blast together just listening. He used to tell us all about why he loved the songs he played and the stories and people associated with them. Today, I draw a lot of my musical taste from my dad and I consider music one of the greatest treasures he and I share.
What are some causes that you care about?
I deeply care for the revitalization of Catholic culture through art and liturgy. Gregorian Chant, sacred polyphony, sacred paintings, and other artistic expressions in the liturgy that tell the story of what is good, true, and beautiful about God and man.
What would you say would be your personal motto?
Forgiven, loved, and in love.
The Serra Club of Charleston provides The Miscellany with profiles of the Diocese of Charleston’s Seminarians. The local club is a member of the USA branch of Serra International with the goal of nurturing vocations. Contact: Debra Dinolfo at debdinolfo@gmail.com.
