Read about some of our seminarians who will continue their training and formation for the priesthood this year.
Oliver Abasolo
Fifth Year Seminarian
I was born in the Philippines and moved to the United Kingdom in 1999, spending 19 years as an NHS nurse while remaining closely involved in parish life and evangelisation. In 2018, I entered religious formation with the Montfort Missionaries and undertook studies at the Angelicum and later at the Pontificio Collegio Beda. During my third year in Rome, I was accepted by the Archdiocese of Southwark and now continue my formation at Allen Hall Seminary, following a formative pastoral placement at St Aidan’s in Coulsdon.
That placement helped me listen more deeply to the Lord’s call—serving at the altar, assisting in the liturgy and catechesis, accompanying people in their faith, visiting hospitals and schools, bringing Holy Communion to the sick and housebound, and being present with those at the end of life. A recent grace was joining the Jubilee of Seminarians in Rome and encountering Pope Leo XIV. Each experience has become a thread in the tapestry of my pastoral journey. I now continue my weekly ministry at St George’s Cathedral, serving at Sunday Mass and supporting children’s catechesis.
I entrust my vocation to the Lord with confidence that He will shape my heart after His own and sustain me with His grace.
Makir Ahmed
Fourth Year Seminarian
This last year of seminary, has been filled with many blessings and valuable experiences. Academically, I finished my studies in philosophy. I’ve covered a range of different philosophers from Plato to Sarte. These studies have helped broaden my horizon and have helped me better understand how we as humans think. I was also blessed to journey with my fellow brother seminarians on pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee year. During which we got an exclusive audience with the Pope and other seminarians around the world. It truly touched my heart to see all the other men around the world going through the same journey as myself with the hope of giving our lives for the greater glory of God and Holy Mother Church.
Over the summer I was also able to do a placement with The Royal Navy and British Army during which I learnt how chaplains care for the brave men and women in our Forces. Later in the summer I joined the Catholic Association pilgrimage to Lourdes where I was able to use some of the British sign language I’ve been learning to interpret for the deaf. Overall, this year has helped me grow as a person and most importantly grow closer to God. I am now undertaking a year of pastoral theology at St. Joseph’s in Bromley. I thank all the donors who have contributed to my formation. Be assured of my prayers.
James Somerville
Second Year Seminarian
I’m delighted to be continuing my formation at the Venerable English College in Rome. Although I feel a long way from home, it is a great blessing to be living and studying in the heart of the universal church. You can see the dome of St Peter’s Basilica from our roof. I often find myself looking up at it and marvelling at the journey made by St Peter – the fisherman from Galilee – whose ‘Yes’ to the Lord brought him to this city where he fulfilled God’s plan for him to become the rock of his church.
I also know that I am not alone on this journey. It is a great joy to be studying alongside seminarians from across the world. There are also the 44 martyrs of our college whose example and intercessions are a great source of comfort and support, along with the spiritual closeness of the countless saints who have a connection to this city. I am also immensely grateful for the prayers and support of so many people within the Archdiocese of Southwark. I feel that support keenly and it is helping to sustain me on this journey.
Theodore de Menezes
Second year seminarian
I am one of the seminarians sent to study at the Venerable English College in the heart of Rome. The experience has been wonderful, and I feel very fortunate to be in such a deeply Catholic city.
Living in such a city brings many opportunities to meet remarkable people. In our first few months here, we met the Pope, Cardinal Pizzaballa, King Charles, and Bishop Erik Varden (in no particular order!)
These last few months have been very formative for me. I am studying philosophy at the Angelicum (the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas), studying many branches, including philosophical ethics, logic, anthropology, etc. and also take part in pastoral work and human formation days.
One of the highlights for me so far has been the Ragheed Ganni Cup, a 5-a-side football tournament hosted by the Irish College. Many seminaries and religious orders from across Rome, and some from other parts of Italy, come together to compete for a big and shiny trophy.
I’m sorry to disappoint any patriotic readers, but the English College did not do very well, being knocked out in the first round by the Missionaries of Charity (the “charity” in their name was questioned by many in the tournament after experiencing the tackling methods!)
However, we did manage to beat the Scots College 1–0, scoring by putting the ball through the goalie's legs. It was a great day of friendship and fun—though slightly spoilt by the French team winning in the end.
Thank you very much for supporting the Priest Training Fund, allowing me to pursue the Lord who calls me.
Lawrence Dunham
Propaedeutic Year Seminarian
I am currently undertaking my propaedeutic year in Valladolid. This is an introductory year that allows seminarians to understand more about the life of a priest and in turn helping them to better discern whether they feel God is calling them to the priesthood.
Since starting in September, my academic studies so far have been on the Catechism, which has been very helpful for me, since only being fully received into the Church in 2023. In addition to this, our studies have also been focused on pastoral formation, allowing us to think more about the skills needed to become good priests. We have also been given the opportunity to practice these skills volunteering once a week in a local secondary school. As well as this, I did a 3-week placement at St Edmund's in Beckenham during the Christmas break, which was a very enjoyable experience.
Overall, it has been a fantastic year so far and, God willing, I look forward to taking the next step in my seminary studies.
Are you interested in discerning
whether you may have a vocation to the priesthood?
Prayerful and Practical Support for Vocations
We especially welcome prayer for vocations on Good Shepherd Sunday, which traditionally falls on the Fourth Sunday of Easter.
The Archdiocese relies on your generous donations to the Southwark Priests Training Fund, in order to meet the substantial training and formation costs for each seminarian.