Dear Friends of SJV,
Greetings! Our seminarians are due to arrive in just two weeks, and we look forward to welcoming them back for the 2026–27 Academic Year.
Every summer, each of the men is assigned to continue their formation in one of a variety of activities. This year is no different, and today we will hear from James Joseph who was assigned to serve in Puebla, Mexico this summer, and Dominic Borchers who was assigned to serve at Annunciation Heights youth camp.
Please keep all the seminarians of SJV in your prayers as they prepare in mind, body, and
spirit to begin another year of formation at the Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary.
In Christ,
Fr. Ángel Pérez-López
During the last stages of the FIFA World Cup, our Spanish Rector, Father Angel Perez–Lopez, our Argentinian House Father, Father John Ezratty, and our English Director of Operations, Val Carey were all invested and hopeful for their national football teams. Congratulations to Spain on their victory!
Language Learning in Puebla, Mexico
¡Dios los bendiga! Due to the demand for Spanish–speaking priests in our diocese, two other Denver seminarians and I are learning the language here in Puebla, Mexico. The experience has been both challenging and consoling!
The institute at which we study hosts many seminarians, priests, and religious from different locations around the world. We all became friends almost immediately. Our activities have included daily Mass, a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe, and a Fourth of July celebration. Becoming friends with these men has given me confidence that the Lord is working in the vocations of men all around the world!
Mexico has been an experience of humility. English comes naturally to me, but in Spanish, my vocabulary is kindergarten level. I have to embrace the experience of being a niño when it comes to speaking Spanish. I cannot always say what I want to say but must accept my limitations, trusting that God works through them. He is always present!
Finally, the experience has been faith–filled. Here, there are churches on every street corner. Mexico’s practice of the faith is unique, with many devotions, patron saints, and traditions. Although the majority of people are Catholic, some tell me that they have not yet received an experience that has “opened their eyes” to God’s love. Pray for the people of Mexico, that the Holy Spirit may be poured out upon them! Pray also for us, that God may continue to work through our efforts now and after we return. ¡Hasta luego!
James Joseph
Theology II Seminarian, Archdiocese of Denver
James Joseph (left) served Mass at the Basilica of Guadalupe, along with two other SJV seminarians, Dan Igoe and Dave Napierkowski (right).
Sonship, Brotherhood, and Fatherhood at The Heights
Growing up, I never went to a summer camp, so I did not have much of an expectation of what to expect at Annunciation Heights this summer. The experience has been more profound, challenging, illuminating, and inspiring than I could have imagined. As I have been reflecting on this summer, three progressive categories came to mind of how to express my growth and experiences: sonship, brotherhood, and fatherhood. Through the life of prayer at camp, in prayer with others, in the times of struggled, I was often gratified by the ways in which I was already grounded as a son of a dependable Father, while also being aware of ways that that relationship still needs to grow. As a counselor, and especially as one of seven seminarians at camp, there have been ample opportunities and also times of necessary growth as a brother with the good men here. Finally, it has been a gift to stand on those two foundations and from there pour out to those around me. Even though I did not do it perfectly, there were ways in which fatherhood was expected of me, and it was a joy to be able to be such. I must say, in this area in particular, I have been extremely inspired by those I worked with and their desire and ability to pour out for others. The quality of the people staffing Annunciation Heights is incredible. For all the many experiences and examples that have contributed to my growth this summer, I am tremendously, tremendously grateful, especially as ordination now is less than two years away.
Dominic Borchers
Theology III Seminarian, Archdiocese of Denver
