Name: Chris Landis Class: I Theology

Parish: Saint Basil the Great, Kimberton

What year did you enter the seminary?
Fall of 2004

What did you do prior to seminary entrance?
Prior to entering the seminary I spent one year at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA.

What influenced your decision to enter the seminary?
My decision to enter the seminary was greatly influenced by the priests in my life, in particular the priest at my high school, Saint Pius X, and the priest who was the chaplain for the Newman Club at Dickinson College. The Newman Club at Dickinson College and the wonderful Catholic students who make it up were also a major influence on my decision to enter the seminary. They supported my discernment in many ways.

Why do you want to be a priest?
I want to be a priest first and foremost because I believe the Lord is calling me to be one. I also want to be a priest because I desire to dedicate my life to the service of the Church, administering the sacraments and bringing the love, mercy and message of Christ to His people.

What did your family and friends think about your decision to enter the seminary?
My family and friends have also been very supportive of my vocation. Some of them were surprised at first and had many questions, but despite this they supported me from the moment I told them I believe the Lord was calling me to be a priest.

What do you do for fun?
I do a lot of things for fun. I play lots of sports here at the seminary, soccer and ultimate frisbee being two of my favorites. I also enjoy cycling, reading, listening to music and just hanging out with my friends and family.

Who is your favorite Saint?
My favorite saint is of course our Blessed Mother on whose prayers I constantly rely for strength. My second favorite saint is Maximilian Kolbe who is an excellent example of a holy priest and martyr.

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?
The most important advice I would give to a young man thinking about the seminary is to pray. Pray about your vocation. Turn to our Blessed Mother and ask her to help you discern your calling. Also I would say that any young man who thinks God may be calling him to enter the seminary is to “come out and visit us”.