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My Vocation Guide, Mainland, Lagos (2026)

27/05/2026

WHEN PEOPLE KEEP TELLING YOU THAT YOU SHOULD BE A PRIEST

In many African communities today, especially within the Church, it is very common for young men who are active in parish life to be constantly reminded that they “look like future priests.” Once a young man is prayerful, committed in church activities, active in the choir, altar service, or prayer groups, people around him often begin to assume that priesthood must naturally be his calling.

Sometimes these remarks come from lay faithful, parish elders, family members, catechists, religious sisters, and even priests themselves. Statements like “you will make a good priest,” “God is calling you,” or “we are seeing a future priest in you” are often repeated so frequently that the young man gradually begins to feel emotionally and psychologically pressured, even when he is personally uncertain within himself.

It must be admitted that many genuine vocations have truly begun from such remarks and encouragement. There are priests today whose initial interest in priesthood was awakened because somebody noticed certain qualities in them and encouraged them to think seriously about vocation. So such comments are not always wrong or meaningless.

However, this should not be turned into a general rule or an indirect form of pressure. A young man being prayerful or active in church does not automatically mean he is called to priesthood. Sometimes it simply means he is a serious Christian who loves the Church and is committed to his faith. The Church does not only need priests. It also needs responsible husbands, disciplined fathers, honest professionals, committed teachers, faithful Catholics, and morally upright men who will contribute positively to society and family life.

Unfortunately, in many African settings, when a young man who was once considered “priestly” no longer shows interest in seminary, people quickly begin to attach unnecessary interpretations to his decision. Some assume he has become too interested in women, too worldly, spiritually unserious, or secretly involved in immoral relationships. In some places, a young man may even begin to fear disappointing people more than disappointing himself. Because of this fear of judgment and backlash, some continue with seminary formation even when they already suspect deeply within themselves that priesthood may not truly be their calling.

This creates a dangerous situation because priesthood should not be entered mainly to satisfy public expectation or maintain a certain image before people. A young man cannot safely build his entire future on the opinions, excitement, or emotional projections of others. External encouragement can help discernment, but it should never replace personal conviction, sincere reflection, and honest prayer.

Some young men enter seminary more because people have emotionally positioned them there than because they freely and sincerely chose it themselves. After entering, they remain not necessarily because they are convinced, but because leaving would attract questions, disappointment, gossip, or embarrassment from people who had earlier celebrated them as “future priests.” This kind of psychological pressure is unhealthy for discernment.

A vocation should involve personal willingness and interior conviction, not silent coercion. Young men should be free enough to ask themselves difficult questions honestly without fear of being judged by society. It is better for a person to discern sincerely before entering than to continue living under pressure simply to preserve people’s expectations.

A young man should pray seriously and ask God where he can genuinely be fruitful with his life. That answer may lead to priesthood, marriage, religious life, or another honest path of Christian commitment. But whatever path he eventually chooses should not rest merely on the constant remarks of people around him. Vocational discernment becomes unhealthy once fear of public opinion becomes stronger than personal sincerity before God.

A YOUNG MAN SHOULD NOT BECOME A PRIEST MERELY BECAUSE PEOPLE EXPECT IT.

26/05/2026

YOU MAY ADMIRE PRIESTS AND STILL NOT BE CALLED TO THE PRIESTHOOD

One of the common mistakes many young men make during vocational discernment is assuming that admiration for priests automatically means a call to priesthood. In reality, admiration and vocation are not always the same thing. A person may sincerely respect priests, love the Church, enjoy serving at the altar, and still not be called to become a priest himself.

In many African societies for instance, priests are highly respected. People see the way they celebrate Mass, preach, wear the cassock, bless people, and occupy important positions in the Church. Young boys naturally grow up admiring such figures. Sometimes, a young man may admire the discipline, intelligence, confidence, simplicity, or public honour associated with priesthood. None of these things are wrong in themselves, but admiration alone is not yet vocation.

At the same time, it must also be acknowledged that many genuine priestly vocations have gradually grown from such admiration. The Church has had good and sincere priests whose interest in priesthood first began through admiration for the life and example of another priest. Sometimes, the good example of a dedicated priest can awaken serious vocational thoughts in a young person. So, this is not in anyway an attempt to simply dismiss admiration as meaningless.

However, admiration alone is still not enough to conclude that one is called. A genuine vocation goes deeper than attraction to appearances or inspiration from personalities. It touches the person’s inner disposition towards sacrifice, service, responsibility, obedience, and spiritual commitment. Many people admire successful doctors, lawyers, soldiers, or musicians without feeling personally called to become one. In the same way, a person may admire priests deeply and still be more suited for another path in life.

In many places today, especially within African society, young men who are prayerful, committed in church activities, active in the choir, altar service, or other parish groups are often viewed automatically as “future priests.” Sometimes this expectation even comes from parents, parishioners, priests, and fellow youths. As a result, some young men gradually begin to feel pressured into thinking that because they love the Church or admire priests, they must necessarily have a vocation to priesthood.

But things are not always that simple. A person can sincerely love the Church, enjoy prayer, participate actively in parish life, and still not be called to become a priest. The Church does not only need good and committed priests. It also needs responsible fathers, mature husbands, honest professionals, dedicated teachers, committed catechists, disciplined leaders, and sincere Christian men who will positively influence society through their various vocations and responsibilities.

This is why discernment should be approached with all manner of honesty. Some young men are attracted mainly by the image of priesthood without seriously reflecting on the demands attached to it. They imagine the respect priests receive but do not think carefully about the sacrifices, emotional demands, discipline, loneliness, and responsibilities involved in priestly life. Priesthood is not merely about standing on the altar or wearing clerical clothing. Much of priestly life involves hidden responsibilities, patience, personal discipline, and constant availability to people. Do not take this as a threat.

There are also cases where admiration grows from personal experiences. A young man may have encountered a good priest who inspired him deeply through kindness, intelligence, humility, or simplicity of life. Such experiences can positively influence discernment, but inspiration alone should not be mistaken for certainty of vocation. Sometimes admiration simply means that a person has encountered a good example worthy of respect and imitation as a Christian.

This is why discernment requires patience and sincerity. A person should ask deeper questions beyond admiration. Am I attracted only to the image of priesthood or to the life itself? Am I willing to accept the sacrifices attached to it? Is this desire growing from within sincerely, or is it mostly emotional excitement and external attraction?

A young man should not pressure himself simply because he admires priests. Respecting priests is good. Learning from them is good. Being inspired by them is good. But vocation is something more personal and demanding. It requires deeper conviction, inner peace, and gradual clarity that develops with time, prayer, honest reflection, and proper guidance.

24/05/2026

SIGNS THAT YOU MAY NOT YET BE READY FOR SEMINARY

A serious vocation to the priesthood is not just about desire, admiration, or the fact that one has been attending Mass regularly. Many young men are attracted to the priesthood for different reasons, but attraction alone is not the same as readiness. Seminary is a place of formation, yes, but there are also deeper matters that should already be present before a man steps into that path. If these things are missing, it may mean he is not yet ready, even if he is still spiritually interested.

One clear sign is when the desire for priesthood is built mostly on external things. Some are drawn by the respect priests receive, the clean image of the clerical life, the honour attached to the collar, or the idea of being seen as important in the Church. When the attraction is mainly about status, image, or escaping ordinary life, that is a strong sign that the heart has not yet reached the right place. Priesthood is service, sacrifice, and hidden fidelity, not a platform for self-importance.

Another sign is a deep resistance to obedience and correction. Seminary life is not perfect, and no young man enters already fully formed. But there is a difference between a person who is still growing and a person who cannot submit to guidance at all. If a man already has a hardened spirit, cannot accept authority, cannot listen, and always wants to do things his own way, that is not a small matter. Such a person may struggle badly in seminary because priestly life itself depends heavily on obedience, humility, and teachability.

A more serious sign is the presence of a double life. This is not about ordinary weakness or human struggle that can be corrected with time. It is about a person who consistently lives in pretence, hiding who he is, saying one thing and doing another, and refusing to live with honesty before God and man. Seminary cannot be built on deception. A man who is not truthful with himself, with his superiors, or with the Church is still standing on unsafe ground.

There is also the issue of inner stability. Some young men are not yet ready because their emotional life is still too unstable, too reactive, or too deeply broken for the demands of priestly formation. If a person is constantly controlled by anger, bitterness, deep resentment, or uncontrolled impulses, and he has no serious desire or capacity to change, then he may need more maturity before entering. Seminary is not a place for pretending that everything is fine. A man must have enough self-control and inner order to begin the journey meaningfully.

Another important sign is when a person does not truly love prayer, silence, and spiritual discipline. It is one thing to admire priestly robes, titles, or altar service; it is another thing to enjoy being alone with God, to stay faithful in prayer, and to live a disciplined spiritual life. A man who avoids prayer, resists spiritual seriousness, and only appears religious in public may not yet be ready. The priesthood is sustained by a real relationship with God, not by religious appearance.

A young man may also not yet be ready if he is still running from life rather than responding to a call. Some people begin to think about seminary because they are tired of confusion, tired of struggle, tired of the world, or tired of not knowing what else to do. But priesthood should not be used as an escape route. If a man is entering mainly because he feels lost, pressured, or afraid of ordinary responsibility, then he may need more time to understand himself before making such a serious move.

Some young men considering the priesthood may genuinely mean well and still not be ready for seminary yet. There are stages in life where certain attitudes, intentions, or personal dispositions can make seminary formation difficult from the beginning. It is better for a person to admit he is not yet ready than to enter formation unprepared and struggle with realities he was never disposed for in the first place. Honesty during discernment deserves more respect than unnecessary haste or pretence.

23/05/2026

HOW TO DISCERN IF GOD IS CALLING YOU TO THE PRIESTHOOD

Many young men carry this question quietly in their hearts: how do I really know if God is calling me to the priesthood? It is not always a loud answer or a dramatic experience. Most times, it comes in a simple and steady way that grows with time, through reflection, prayer, and honest self-understanding.

One of the first things to observe is the interior attraction that does not easily disappear. It is not just admiration for priests or the beauty of the altar, but a deeper interest in the life of service, prayer, and sacrifice. Sometimes it begins as a thought that returns again and again, even when you try to ignore it.

Another important sign is the presence of peace when you imagine that life, even if there is fear. It is normal to feel uncertainty. But beyond the fear, there is often a quiet sense that says “this path is worth considering seriously.” That inner calm is not excitement alone, but something more stable.

It is also important to look at your willingness to serve without seeking attention. The priesthood is not mainly about honour or public respect. So, a young man discerning should ask himself whether he is ready for a life where service comes first, even in hidden and difficult places.

Your personal character also matters. God does not call perfect people, but He calls people who are willing to grow. If you notice a desire to become better, to pray more, to correct your weaknesses, and to live with discipline, it may be part of the movement of vocation.

However, feelings alone are not enough. Discernment requires time, guidance, and honest conversation with God. Speaking with a priest you trust, staying close to the sacraments, and being patient with yourself are all part of the process. A vocation is not forced; it is gradually understood.

It is also important to remain open. Sometimes God’s call is not what a person initially expects. A young man may start discerning priesthood and later discover another path where he is equally fulfilled in serving God and people.

Getting to know if God is calling you is not about sudden certainty, but about steady clarity. It grows as you live sincerely, pray honestly, and listen deeply within your daily life. The call of God does not confuse forever; it slowly leads a willing heart into light.

24/03/2026

DON’T ENGAGE IN DECEPTION BECAUSE YOU WANT TO BE ADMITTED INTO THE SEMINARY

A young man who wanted to become a priest shared his story with me about how he engaged in a deceptive, or rather fraudulent, activity just to gain admission into a religious congregation here in Nigeria.

He applied for admission into this particular congregation whose entrance examination participation is solely by invitation, and he was one of the people that was invited. He attended and passed the written part of the exams but could not proceed to the next part even though he passed, due to an unusual issue with his baptism card. The vocation director told him it was not possible to allow him to move to the next phase, which was the oral interview with some senior priests in the congregation, because even if he did, the issue would still be detected and the candidate would be withdrawn from the process. The vocation director therefore advised that the best thing the young man could do was to go and rectify the issue and apply the next year, should he still feel a possible vocation to the priesthood.

Because of the age factor, the congregation warned that any aspirant who was present, and would be above 21 years with only an O’level academic qualification or above 25 years for graduates, should not bother to apply again the next year because such people would not be considered for admission.

This young man came back and ensured that the issue with his card was resolved. Since his current age had exceeded the maximum age for people who have only O’level certificate for that particular congregation he hoped to join, he changed his date of birth on his baptism card to a date that would still make him eligible. He applied to this same congregation the next year and was called again for the entrance examination.

The congregation assured those who had applied the previous year but could not be admitted that they would consider them first, before attending to those who were applying for the very first time. This young man was fully assured that he would be considered for admission since he had also applied the previous year but was not admitted on the grounds that his baptism card had an issue, which he had now rectified.

When the time for screening came, he was called by the vocations director for the exercise. He got to the table, and the first thing the vocations director requested was his baptism card. A careful look at the baptism card revealed that the date of birth had been altered. The vocations director inquired about the reasons for the alteration, and the young man maintained that the current date of birth was the real one. Meanwhile, unknown to him, the vocation director already had a soft copy of the same baptism card and other important documents from the first encounter stored on his personal computer. He showed the young man the soft copy of the baptism card and the original date of birth and persisted in the interrogation. It was at that point that the young man confessed that he had changed his date of birth so that he would still fall within the age range of those to be considered.

The vocation director became very disappointed. According to him, there are many young men who are currently undergoing formation in that particular congregation who were above the age limit, but because of their potentials and performances, he personally ensured they were admitted even though he had no prior affiliation or contact with them. This particular young man would have possibly been considered for admission into the congregation, but because of this very fraudulent and deceptive act, he lost such an opportunity. Any man who seeks his way into the seminary by being deceptive will surely do the same for ordination. The vocation director concluded by advising this young man to never, in his entire life, engage in a deceptive or manipulative act in the service of God.

This young man could not achieve his aim because of that particular act of deception.

If you are still seeking admission into a religious congregation or diocese, you can learn from this story. Concerning your documents, always ensure to have a clean and unaltered baptism card with accurate information that aligns with all other official documents, and do not be deceptive in a bid to be admitted into a religious congregation or diocese. The end here does not justify the means.

Kindly share the message.

18/03/2026

HOW CAN I GAIN ADMISSION INTO THE SEMINARY?

Since I began learning about vocation, I have noticed a very common misunderstanding. Many people talk about the seminary as if it is a place where anyone who feels called to be a priest simply applies and gets admitted.

That is not how it works.

The seminary is not the place where you apply to become a priest. In fact, the seminary does not accept application letters from individuals at all. Yet, many young men still write letters titled “Application for Admission into the Seminary.” This is a mistake.

Let me explain this as simply and clearly as possible.

When a young man begins to feel called to the Catholic priesthood, the first decision he must make is this:
Do I want to be a diocesan priest or a religious priest?

This is very important.

A diocesan priest serves a particular diocese. He works under a bishop and promises obedience to that bishop and his successors. His ministry is usually within that diocese.

A religious priest, on the other hand, belongs to a congregation. He can be sent anywhere, depending on the mission and work of that congregation.

If you are not yet clear about this difference, take your time to learn it well. It will help you make a better decision.

Now, after making this choice, the next step is not to apply to a seminary.

You apply to a diocese or a religious congregation.

This is where the real process begins.

Once your application is received, the diocese or congregation will begin to assess you. This is not something done in one day. It usually involves several stages such as vocation programmes, retreats, entrance examinations, interviews, and sometimes even a period of close observation.

It is important to understand clearly that the seminary is not the one inviting you for these stages. The seminary is not even responsible for selecting candidates.

The selection is done completely by the diocese or the religious congregation.

If, after this process, you are accepted, something very important happens:
you are now admitted into the diocese or the congregation, not into a seminary.

It is only when you are admitted by a congregation or diocese that you are then sent to a seminary.

This is the point where the seminary now becomes involved but in a different role.

The seminary is a school and its primary work is formation of seminarians, not selection of those to be admitted.

In the seminary, you are trained and formed in four major areas: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral life. During this time, the seminary keeps communicating with the diocese or congregation about your growth and progress.

This is also why some seminarians do not complete their formation. If a candidate does not meet the required standards, he may be asked to leave. This decision is usually made in collaboration with the diocese or congregation.

When formation is successfully completed, the seminary can then recommend the candidate for ordination but the final decision still belongs to the bishop or the superior of the seminarian in question.

In Nigeria, different dioceses and congregations send their seminarians to particular seminaries they are already connected to.

So, when you hear that someone has “gained admission into the seminary,” what it really means is that
his diocese or congregation has accepted him and sent him there for formation.

This is the key point many people miss.

So to drive home the point, you do not apply to the seminary.
You apply to a diocese or a religious congregation.
They admit you.
Then they send you to the seminary to receive formation.

I hope this explanation helps to clear this confusion once and for all.

If it helps you, please share it. Many people are still making this mistake, especially when writing their application letters.

Stay connected to this page. We will continue to talk about vocation, seminary life, and everything you need to know as you discern your call to the priesthood.

See you in the next post.

08/02/2024

A LETTER TO YOUNG MEN WHO HAVE BEEN APPLYING FOR ADMISSION INTO RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS/DIOCESES

When Samuel graduated from secondary school, he decided to explore the vocation of becoming a Catholic ministerial priest. He applied for admission in his local diocese and took the entrance examination, but unfortunately, he did not make it to the admission list.

Undeterred, Samuel tried again the following year, this time applying to a religious congregation. However, he faced another disappointment as he was not admitted, despite his impressive academic record from a renowned secondary school in his hometown. Concerned about his future, Samuel confided in an older friend who advised him to consider pursuing further studies in a tertiary institution.

Taking this advice to heart, Samuel discussed the matter with his parents. The question now arose: What course should he study considering his aspirations? Samuel knew that before being ordained a Catholic priest, he would be required to study Philosophy and theology. Therefore, he decided that he would pursue a degree in Philosophy at a university before proceeding to study for the priesthood in the seminary.

However, before Samuel applied to study a course, he had a meeting with a seminarian who was on apostolic work in Samuel's parish. During the meeting, Samuel shared his plans with the seminarian. Drawing upon his extensive knowledge of the Catholic Priesthood vocation, the seminarian offered advice to Samuel. He stated that it was not a bad idea for Samuel to study at a university while still considering the possibility of discerning a priestly vocation in the future. The seminarian also mentioned that studying Philosophy would be a suitable choice for Samuel's aspirations. However, he emphasized that before being ordained a priest, it is necessary to undergo courses in both Philosophy and theology.

Therefore, it is not necessary for Samuel to study Philosophy at a secular or any other institution before proceeding to the Seminary.
In addition, “I have noticed that 80 out of 100 congregations and dioceses do not accept young men who have obtained a Philosophy graduate degree from secular universities or institutions outside their specific formation program. Given this information, I would strongly recommend that you consider studying alternative courses such as Psychology, History, Languages and Linguistics, or English Studies instead. Having a degree in one of these fields would for the most part give you an edge over someone who has studied philosophy. From my perspective, it is important to make this choice wisely.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that obtaining a degree in Philosophy does not diminish one's value or detract from their consideration for admission into a congregation or diocese for priesthood formation. In some cases, individuals with a Philosophy degree may have a shorter formation period compared to those without, and they may eventually be ordained Catholic priests. However, it is rare for individuals who have obtained a Philosophy degree from a secular institution outside of the Seminary to be admitted in some congregations and dioceses.

Considering the uncertainty of the future, it would be wise to consider pursuing another course of study in your area of interest or specialization, in case you no longer wish to pursue a path towards becoming a Catholic priest. While I am not discouraging you from pursuing a degree in Philosophy, it is important to be aware of the implications and potential limitations of this choice, as well as other courses of study, before entering the Seminary”
Samuel had a good time discussing with the Seminarian who shared some experiences and encounters he has had in the Seminary over time, the misconceptions he had harbored about the Seminary and the reality he encountered, things he had expected and things he got.

After the discussion, Samuel immersed himself in a deep thought on which course to study and placing the advantages side by side, it was evident that studying a different course other than philosophy was the better option. He discussed with his parents who seem to rely hook, line and sinker on what the seminarian had said. His father then judging from what the seminarian had said encouraged Samuel to choose another course other than philosophy. Samuel decided to apply for Languages and Linguistics. Ultimately, he was successful, and was admitted into the program.

He studied the course for four good years and graduated with a second class upper degree and since he still harbored the aspirations of discerning the priesthood, he applied for admission into a religious congregation in his state, this time around not as someone who had just graduated from secondary school but a graduate with a second class upper degree in Languages and Linguistics. He was admitted for formation towards the ministerial priesthood and having studied for a considerate period of time, he was raised to the order of the presbyterate. His qualification as a linguist gave him much advantage to work as a religious priest in his country. Samuel serves as a Roman Catholic priest to this day!

DEAR ASPIRANT TO THE CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD,

It's hight time we stopped putting so much emphasis on the idea of "From secondary school straight to the Seminary." Getting into a congregation or diocese right after secondary school shouldn't be the only path. Just like Samuel in our story, there is value in going to university first though not always . Some might argue that if you go to university, you might change your mind about becoming a priest, but that just shows that priesthood is truly not your calling. The notion that only a special group of people are meant to be priests is completely false.

Anyone can become a priest if they have the sincere desire and enthusiasm for it. However, not everyone who sincerely wants to become a priest actually ends up becoming a priest and conversely not everyone who is a priest initially had that strong desire to be one.

Now here is the crux of this article. It has gotten to my notice that the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has initiated the sale of forms for individuals seeking admission into tertiary institutions. I strongly advise that you acquire a JAMB form and apply to pursue a course that you believe would be highly advantageous to you, both in your capacity as a priest and as a lay person. This means selecting a course that would enable you to provide for yourself and your family if you choose to marry, or a course that would also be beneficial to you in your role as a priest. It is very pertinent not to find yourself in a situation like that of the applicant who repeatedly applies but becomes disheartened without being admitted or acquiring tertiary education or any valuable cm lucrative skill.

The truth is that some people can get admitted into the seminary either through a religious congregation or diocese immediately after secondary school but some people won't.
Don't be like the guy who kept applying for admission into a religious congregation or diocese even when his father offered to pay his school fees at the tertiary level so the young man could study any course. The young man was hesitant and never a gave a considerate look in that dimension until his father died and he ended up losing on both sides. Don't put your eggs in one basket.

He has not been admitted into any congregation or diocese and he has not attended any tertiary institution. He has nobody that can assume such responsibility of taking care of his fees. All these while, he has regretted the decision he made years back. Right now, he is a teacher in a primary school with a very meagre salary. Most of you have parents or guardians that are willing to sponsor you through tertiary education but it seems you have made it a hobby to apply from one congregation and diocese to the other each year without consideration of your future. It's not a prayer but, it could be that such people won't be around someday to pay for your education or carter for your needs and you would probably end up in regret. Sapere Aude !
Please make hay while the sun shines!
Best regards 💜,
The Seminary Dude

My Vocation Guide

27/05/2026

26/05/2026

24/05/2026

23/05/2026

24/03/2026

18/03/2026

08/02/2024

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