Santiago Mariani, who is studying at the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, is a familiar figure at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Tryon. He often assists with services there when he is home.

Mariani was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and lived there until he was 11 years old. In 1996 his family moved to the United States.

At a retreat during his college years, Mariani was asked whether he had ever considered studying for the priesthood. Before that, he said, he had never felt he had a calling for the priesthood.

After college, Mariani realized that the best place to discern a priestly vocation was the seminary. He applied and was accepted.

But In 2005 Mariani transferred to Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, where he studied for three years, getting his degree in finance. He said Wofford was a great experience for him, and he was planning a future in business with a fellow Wofford Terrier.

However, he said the possibility of entering the seminary and becoming a priest remained with his heart, and with the guidance of a spiritual director, Mariani chose to continue his Christian journey as a seminarian.

Mariani is currently studying pre-theology at the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. It is a two year program designed to help college students to become well grounded in philosophy in preparation for the four years of theological studies.

Mariani’s classes this semester include Biblical Greek, philosophy of man, metaphysics, faith and reason according to St. Thomas Aquinas, and late modern philosophy.

Mariani starts each day at the seminary with communal morning prayer, which leads into Mass. In addition to praying the Rosary, seminarians are encouraged to practice adoration for one hour before the Blessed Sacrament.

After Mass and breakfast, seminarians take their study classes, usually two or three classes in the morning. The rest of the day is spent on studying, prayer and activities with other seminarians.

In addition to the regular study courses each seminarian is assigned to a house job throughout the week. They also serve an apostolate on Thursdays, which is spent in service at a nearby organization.

“This year I have been assigned to a homebound shelter for my apostolate, and I strive to keep the petitions there before me as I become a more authentic follower of Jesus Christ. I pray to recognize God’s presence in all men, especially the poor and those who mourn.”

Mariani enjoys reading books on Our Lord and the Blessed Mother of God, playing chess, racquet ball with friends and enjoying good Pixar movies.

Mariani says he has a deep appreciation for the liturgical heritage of the Church’s Latin Rite, including both older and newer expressions of the faith that are exercised under ecclesiastical authority.

“It is a blessing to have recourse to Gregorian chant as a way to elevate one’s heart and mind to God.”

Most of all, Mariani says he values loving Christ and sharing His love with others through Mary, His mother.