Arthur, a 25-year-old seminarian from Brazil, is undergoing an intense experience of comprehensive training on his path to priesthood. Thanks to the help of benefactors and friends of the CARF Foundation, he is currently in his third year of Bachelor's Degree in Theology from the University of Navarra, as an essential part of its priestly formation. He has also been living at the Bidasoa International Seminary for a year and a half. His vocational journey began in his childhood parish and matured into a total commitment to the priesthood.
He grew up in a deeply Catholic home: his parents and grandmother were involved in parish life and it was they who patiently encouraged him to take his first steps in the Church. Although at first he found it difficult to attend celebrations and activities, family life gradually shaped his faith.
Music became his first bridge to the community. At the age of ten, he began learning to play the guitar, and between the ages of 12 and 19, he was part of the parish choir. That hobby helped him to serving the ChurchOn weekends, he studied and helped out at the parish, like most young people in his circle.
Arthur remembers his younger sister fondly and gives thanks for her faith. Seeing how she joyfully serves others, and feeling called to do the same, fills him with gratitude and hope.
There are two events that, according to him, had a profound impact on his priestly vocation. The first was his Confirmation at age 17. That sacrament transformed him internally: he understood for the first time what it meant to belong to Christ and felt the need to proclaim the joy of faith. With some friends, he created a youth group and they placed themselves at the service of the parish priest.
The second moment was a youth retreat in June 2018. He entered convinced that his future would be a civilian career and a family, but on Sunday he left determined to enter the seminary: «a profound interior experience, a real encounter in which God speaks to the heart and an unmistakable peace that confirmed to me that it was He who was calling.».
After six months of parish accompaniment and a year in the vocational group of his archdiocese, he was invited to enter the São José seminary in February 2020. Since then, he has been reviewing his life: more sacraments (frequent Confession and daily Mass), spiritual direction, and a continued commitment to the formation of priests.
He describes the retreat as the turning point: it was not a passing intuition, but a peaceful certainty that called him to complete ministerial dedication.
The Archdiocese of São Sebastião de Rio de Janeiro is immense and diverse: some 4,700 km², more than 750 priests, and nearly 298 parishes. Evangelizing there means that those who work there must face very different realities—from rural areas to favelas or affluent neighborhoods—and a challenge: a large part of the population is not practicing Catholic.
Arthur highlights Cardinal Orani João's work as a promoter of unity and initiatives that bring the Church closer to professionals and educators. Even so, secularism particularly affects young people: «the witness of so many committed Catholics is like a streetlight that, little by little, illuminates the streets of our city more and more.».
For him, evangelization in secularized contexts begins with the witness of one's life: «More than words, it is a life transformed by Christ that convinces. The world does not need watered-down versions of the Church; it needs authenticity: solid doctrine, clear morals, dignified worship, and language that everyone can understand.».
In your opinion, the priest of the 21st century must persevere in a righteous and virtuous life. «The people are not looking for event organizers, but for closeness, sacraments, and formation. The priest's first calling is to holiness; to be an example and companion in the search for Christ,» he affirms.
While studying in Spain, Arthur has observed an admirable popular devotion in Spain. For example, in the Holy Week processions, although sometimes devoid of spiritual roots: «I am impressed by their beauty, but it is painful when participation remains cultural and does not continue with attendance at Easter Sunday Mass.».
Coming from a vibrant and complex archdiocese, Arthur looks with hope at the mission of the Church: he asks for persevering and holy priests, willing to give their lives to bring every heart closer to Christ. His testimony—supported by his education at the University of Navarra and the help of the CARF Foundation– is an example of loyalty and service.
Marta Santínjournalist specializing in religion.
