Bonds of Brotherhood

“How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live in unity.” (Psalm 133:1)

This verse has taken on a deeper meaning for me since my brother entered the seminary. What was once simply a beautiful passage of Scripture has become a lived experience that has profoundly shaped my formation and discernment.

When I first learned that David would be joining the seminary, I felt a mixture of emotions. I was proud of him for sincerely discerning the Lord’s call and courageously responding. I was excited to share this beautiful life with him. At the same time, I worried that, as the older brother, I might try to guide or “form” him myself, rather than allow seminary formators to do so. By God’s grace, that fear never became reality. Instead, we have grown into a relationship marked by mutual respect and shared purpose.

Although we are 12 years apart in age and were never especially close growing up, seminary life has transformed our relationship. Living and studying together has allowed us to accompany one another spiritually. We share the joys, struggles, and challenges of formation in a way that has strengthened our bond as brothers in Christ. Perhaps the greatest grace of this experience has been a deeper understanding of spiritual fatherhood. For years, I struggled to grasp how a man could find fulfillment in being a spiritual father. Through my care and concern for my brother’s spiritual life, desiring his growth in holiness and his salvation, I have begun to understand this mystery more concretely.

In sharing this vocation with my brother, I have come to see more clearly the Lord’s gentle providence at work in our lives. What began as uncertainty has become gratitude. If it is God’s will that we should continue this journey together, I will receive it as a gift, one that reminds me each day how good and how pleasant it truly is when brothers live in unity.

—A Reflection from Fidel Ruvalcaba,
Discipleship Two, Diocese of San Angelo

Before we ever shared a vocation, we shared a home. Now, by God’s grace, we share the same desire to serve His Church. Being in seminary with my brother Fidel has been a profound gift. The formation staff here at Conception Seminary College places a strong emphasis on fraternity and authentic brotherhood among seminarians. Having my own brother as a living example of what true fraternity looks like has made that formation even more meaningful in my life.

Although Fidel and I do not share any classes, we are intentional about spending time together. From these moments have come many fruitful conversations about discernment, prayer, and the quiet joys of pursuing God’s will. Sharing this journey has given us a unique opportunity to encourage one another in ways that only brothers can.

Being formed in the same seminary has shaped my experience in a distinctive way. The values and lessons given to us are powerful and fruitful. We can reflect together on what we are learning, to hold one another accountable, and to grow side-by-side in our desire to serve Christ and His Church.

This year has been deeply impactful. As I navigate the Propaedeutic Year, I am grateful to have my older brother to “show me the ropes.” Having already completed this stage of formation, he understands the challenges and graces that accompany the first year. His guidance and steady example have helped encourage and reassure my vocation.

At the same time, his presence has helped me recognize my own responsibility within the seminary community. Looking up to my brother reminds me that I, too, am called to be a brother to my fellow seminarians, to the Church, and ultimately to the Body of Christ. Through the witness of my brother and the faithful formation provided at Conception, I have come to understand more clearly my identity and mission as a Catholic man discerning the priesthood.

To share this vocation with my brother is a blessing I do not take for granted. In God’s providence, what began as a bond of blood continues to be strengthened as a bond of grace.

—A Reflection from David Ruvalcaba
Propaedeutic Stage, Diocese of San Angelo