Mateo Pascual

Parish: Cathedral of St. Mary, Peoria

Birthdate: April 15

Seminary: Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary: Entered 2023, Class of 2030

Why did you become a seminarian?
I had never thought of becoming a priest. When I graduated from high school, I was offered my dream job as a software developer where I thought I could have a great career and make a lot of money. At the same time I was not making great decisions in my personal life and I was not at peace with how I was living. I returned to prayer and after spending time with Jesus in adoration, I asked what would bring me peace. I heard the Lord speak to me, “Be my priest.” Although I fought going to seminary for a long time, I found peace by simply saying “yes”. 

What did you do before seminary?
I was a fulltime Computer Science major at Illinois Central College while working as a software developer with Caterpillar in East Peoria. 

An interesting fact about you:
I was born in Guatemala, I speak three languages, and I still enjoy computer programming.