Deacon Ignacio Cardenas Moran 
Birth Date
April 9
Parish Location
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Peoria
Year entered the Seminary/Class of
Entered in 2019, Class of 2023
Studying at
Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD
Why did you become a seminarian?
Since I was a child, my grandparents took me to Mexican Night Worship, a monthly vigil of adoration before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. I attended Mass and catechism classes, but never thought of responding to God’s call. Once, after I finished high school, I went to adoration as I had every month, and asked God what he wanted for me. I was willing to leave everything and follow Him if He asked me to. I had many questions for God: “Why am I alive? What mission do I have in life? What can I do for God and humanity?” God responded within me: “Have courage, come and follow me.” Since that day when I was 16 years old, I have followed God in the priestly formation and lived every day in happiness.
Before you entered the seminary, what were you doing?
Before entering seminary I was in high school and I liked to ride my motorcycle with my friends.
An interesting fact about you
I like Gothic architecture and the history of the ancient Church.