Andrew Bilgri 
Birth Date
June 5
Parish Location
Immaculate Conception, Monmouth & St. John Paul II Newman Center @ ISU
Year entered the Seminary/Class of
Entered in 2021, Class of 2027
Studying at
Mundelein Seminary
Why did you become a seminarian?
Towards the end of high school I had a reversion back to my faith, which sparked me to discover and spend a lot of time at the Catholic Newman Center in my first year of college. There I developed a relationship with God through prayer, the reception of the Sacraments, and making a gift of myself in service to others. It became natural for me to pray, “Father, what is your will for my life?” At first, the priesthood was not what I had in mind, but as I learned more about the importance of the priesthood and the mission of saving souls, I recognized that this was the best service I could do for God and for others.
Before you entered the seminary, what were you doing?
studied at Illinois State University where I was a music major. My primary instruments were the tuba and euphonium and I had the opportunity to play in many performing ensembles.
An interesting fact about you:
I am currently enlisted as a soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves, and I serve our country as an Army Musician.