Seminarian Renver John Peña has been admitted to Candidacy for the Priesthood, marking an important milestone in his journey of formation as he prepares to continue his studies at the Venerable English College in Rome.
Renver, whose home parish is St Martin de Porres in Luton, returned to the parish on Sunday to celebrate this significant moment with the community where his journey of faith has been nurtured.
The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is an important stage in a seminarian’s formation. Put simply, it is the point at which a man publicly expresses his intention to continue towards ordained ministry, and the Church formally recognises and accepts that intention. It is not an ordination, nor does it mean that priestly ordination is guaranteed. Rather, it marks a deeper commitment to the ongoing process of discernment and formation through which a seminarian prepares for service as a deacon and, God willing, a priest.
For Renver, this next stage will take him to Rome, where he will continue his priestly formation at the Venerable English College. Seminary formation combines theological and academic study with prayer, spiritual growth, pastoral experience and the development of the human qualities needed for priestly ministry. The aim is not simply to prepare a man to pass exams, but to help him discern and respond faithfully to Christ’s call to serve His Church.
Fr Liam Castle, who was returning to his former parish of St Martin de Porres, was delighted to be able to celebrate the occasion with the community.
“It was lovely to be back at my first parish of St Martin de Porres in Luton on Sunday to celebrate and witness such an important milestone as Renver John Peña was admitted to Candidacy for the Priesthood,” said Fr Liam.
“Renver has taken another significant step in his journey towards the priesthood and it was a real joy to be able to share this moment with him and the parish community. As he now prepares to continue his formation at the English College in Rome, we pray that the Lord will deepen his relationship with Christ and give him the grace, wisdom and courage he needs for all that lies ahead.”
Fr Liam also encouraged the faithful to remember Renver and all those discerning a vocation in their prayers.
“Please continue to pray for Renver as he prepares to begin this next chapter in Rome, and also pray for all those who are discerning a call from God to serve His Church. A vocation is ultimately God’s call, and our response begins by learning to listen to Him.”
Renver’s move to Rome represents the next chapter in a journey that has already seen him undertake significant formation and discernment. The Venerable English College has a long history of forming men for the priesthood and provides seminarians with the opportunity to study in the heart of the universal Church.
As Renver begins this new stage of his formation, the Diocese of Northampton gives thanks for his vocation and asks the faithful to keep him in their prayers.
Please pray for Renver as he moves to Rome, and for all those discerning whether God is calling them to the priesthood or to another form of service within the Church.
