New Seminarian for the Diocese of Tucson: ‘I hope to be His saint’

By Jeremy Leviste  

Jeremy Leviste is one of two new seminarians for the Diocese of Tucson. As a child growing up in the Philippines, Jeremy enjoyed going to the Adoration Chapel and imitating his parish priest.  

Before becoming a seminarian, he was a math teacher in Phoenix. Jeremy enjoys reading ‘The Count of Monte Cristo,’ watching The Mandalorian, and singing in the church choir. Jeremy is now in his first year of formation, known as the propaedeutic year, at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in Wisconsin. In Jeremy’s own words, here is his vocation story: 

I have always had a heart of serving other people. As a matter of fact, immediately after I got accepted into the J-1 cultural exchange teacher program last year in Arizona, I joined a charismatic community (Missionary Families of Christ – Arizona Chapter) and volunteered in the choir at Our Lady of the Valley in Glendale, Arizona. While volunteering, I had been thinking of entering the priesthood, but I needed some guidance, clarity, and confirmation from God. I thought to myself, “If God is calling me, no matter where I hide or go, He will find and call me.”  

During Holy Week, Tito Reynold and Tita Cecille Igos, our prayer household leaders, invited me to go to Tucson, Arizona for the “Visita Iglesia.” We went to beautiful churches like San Xavier del Bac Mission and St. Augustine Cathedral. I suddenly recalled the famous quotes of these two Saints, “It is impossible to find a Saint who did not take the ‘2 Ps’ – Prayer and Penance,” and “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” I have always tried my best to live by these quotes.  

We were about to return home to Phoenix, but I asked my prayer leaders if we could visit a Filipino priest in Tucson so I could greet him. Back in the Philippines, I volunteered at Saint Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center where we fed the homeless of Metro Manila and assisted the families and victims of extrajudicial killings in Metro Manila. One of my fellow co-volunteers, Raul Dizon, told me to see his best friend Father Ricky Ordoñez (the parish Priest of Saints Peter and Paul) in Tucson. I had previously tried to keep in touch with him, but we did not have a chance to meet in person. When I found out that we were going to Tucson for the “Visita Iglesia,” I texted him and googled his name to know his assigned parish, and we met for the first time. In our first meeting, I was so delighted because the first thing that he told me was that I looked like a priest. I did not react, but in my mind, I remembered it was not the first time I had heard that from people.  

I felt so refreshed and invigorated during the trip. After almost two hours of conversation with Father Ricky, we went back home to Phoenix and attended the nearby Easter Vigil Mass. It was my first time visiting St. Bernadette Parish. The priest said during the homily, “Live the life God wants you to live.” It has stayed with me. To my surprise, as I was looking at the floor of the church, I could see beneath the pew a clear logo and the words Holy Orders. (I never ask for signs from God, but I think this time He gave me one.) I also received a message the following day from Father Ricky inviting me to attend the Discernment Retreat in Tucson. I asked for prayers and guidance from my family, friends, and community. I was amazed that I got their full support, and I could not believe that they were more thrilled for me.  

During the Discernment Retreat, I was so joyful, amazed, and inspired by the sharing of the speakers. I felt their utmost generosity, sincerity, and holiness, especially Father Richard Rivera and Father Alan Valencia. It has been a while since I’d been inspired listening to a priest. I also agreed with them that many people think that priests are ‘zanies’ because they choose the less traveled road. I still consider myself weird (in a very good way), and I suddenly told myself, welcome to the club! Maybe I can become one of them – a priest of Jesus Christ.  

I hope to do deeper and more meaningful things in my life. I desire to see Jesus. I hope to be His saint.  

Since the Retreat, I have experienced an indescribable feeling. I am extremely inspired. I felt that Jesus was speaking to me. I must continue to be silent to heed His voice. All I can say is “Yes, Lord!” I am looking forward to deepening my faith in God and being able to share it with others. I hope to become a humble and holy priest like Father Alan and Father Richard. I felt calm and at peace with my decision to apply to be a priest for the Diocese of Tucson, amidst so many worries and fears. I know God is with me. I believe He does not want me to delay my decision anymore to serve and love Him more. Just as Bishop Nevares, the Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix told me, “Jeremy, maybe you are needed in Tucson.” So, help me, God! May You always lead me and show me Your Divine mercy and love.