Greetings! My name is Gabriel Urquiso, and I am 36 years old. I’m from Montrose, Colorado, and come from a cradle Catholic family of five, which includes my parents, older brother, and younger sister. I was born in Lancaster, California. A few months after my birth, my family moved to Fresnillo, Zacatecas, in Mexico, a region rich in Catholic culture and faith, where my foundation for the faith began.

My family would then proceed to move to small towns such as Rio Florido and Baluarte, where all my grandparents/uncles/aunts/cousins lived. From what I recall, agriculture and farming were the primary means of making a living. My grandfather, named Gabriel, owned a farm. I remember joining my uncles and heading into the wilderness to tend the goats. My family returned to the United States when I was nine, to Montrose. In my early childhood, I enjoyed learning about the American culture by learning English and playing sports.

The first blissful moment I shared with my parents was when I graduated from Montrose High School, making me a first-generation graduate from my family. After graduating from Montrose High School, I entered the workforce in carpentry and sign manufacturing, but I always wanted to return to school. At the age twenty-two, I decided to enroll in Mesa State College to pursue a degree in criminal justice, but after a semester, I chose not to enroll again.

At the age of twenty-four, my mother Marina invited me to attend a Spanish retreat in Montrose at St. Mary Catholic Parish. I wrestled with the idea of going but something deep in me drove me to attend. The result was a metanoia (conversion) experience during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Thirsty for more, I joined a Spanish Bible study group, where we would meet twice a week, for discipleship formation on Mondays and on Fridays we would meet for group sharing with praise and worship. I finally experienced the love of God and left all my worldly habits behind, becoming enthusiastic about participating in the Great Commission. After a few months while in a family retreat in Olathe, Colorado, in a Holy hour, someone would reveal the thought of me becoming a priest, but it took me three-and-a-half years to enter the seminary because I needed time to discern the calling of the priesthood and let go of my fears.

With the guidance the Fr. Carl, the vocation director, cyber discerning, and the community of the Grand Junction deanery, I submitted my application to become a seminarian for the Diocese of Pueblo. I now attend Assumption Seminary for my priestly formation and have completed my college seminary formation at University of the Incarnate Word and Mexican American Catholic College where I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministry/Philosophy. I am enrolled at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, where I currently accomplished my 3rd year in the Master of Divinity program and plan to graduate in 2028.

With a joyful heart I will be assigned to do my internship year as a seminarian in Durango at St. Columba Catholic Parish under the supervision of Fr. Iffiok Inyang, MSP. Something I enjoy is visiting my parents, siblings, nephews, and nieces in Montrose. Additionally, I enjoy tennis, pickleball, and snowboarding. Lastly, I appreciate all the prayers, and I always look forward to meeting new people and making them smile. I cannot wait for September when I will begin a new chapter of my life of growth and relationships. 

In Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph
Gabriel Urquiso