Project Andrew

Submitted by Myles Cesario, Seminarian for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg

On May 3, 2025, several priests and I gathered in Portage La Prairie to conduct Project Andrew, a continuation of the Archdiocese’s Called By Name Campaign. I was asked to give my vocational testimony, “aka” how God has directed me to discern to enter the Seminary and begin the process of discerning the priesthood. This was the first time I told my story after completing my Propaedeutic year, or first year. I had told the story multiple times before, but this time I wanted to approach it in light of what the first year of formation had taught me.

Fr. Peter opened the day with prayer and an overview of the day, and a basic introduction to what vocation means. I had only learned a couple of days before that I was sitting on a panel where the attendees could ask questions, so I was looking forward to answering questions on the spot!

After the opening remarks, I was called up to give my vocational testimony. As I got up, I quickly realized to whom I was telling my story, not just to the young men who attended, but also the priests, many of whom played a prominent role in my story. I’ll admit, I chuckled a bit inside. God truly does make us laugh.

After I finished my story, I answered some questions. They were good questions, and I was glad they were asked. Following Fr. Chris Pugh’s story, we prepared for Mass and Adoration. They were beautiful experiences, to say the least. After that, we had lunch, and then our panel. As the lone Seminarian, I have to say that as much as I answered questions, I also listened intently to the answers the priests were giving, and learned a few things!

As the day drew to a close, I reflected on what this day had meant. Project Andrew was the first event of its kind in our Archdiocese, and it occurred at a particularly significant time. We recognize the importance of vocations, and we understand the need to pray for and promote them. This event supports that mission, helping young people discern where God is calling them. To show them the sign of joy in the priesthood, the hope, and to give a sign of courage. These young men who came decided to say yes to being there. As a Seminarian, I said yes to entering formation, and the priests who spent their day with us keep saying yes every day through their priesthood. I pray that anyone who feels called to discern trusts in the words that Pope St. John Paul II and our own Pope Leo XIV reiterated, “do not be afraid,” and discern the call of the Lord, for He sustains us and guides us all.

We received 35 submissions from the Called by Name Sunday and invited 30 of these men to the Project Andrew (a day of retreat and discernment) in Portage La Prairie. Twelve men responded to the invitation and participated in this day. I’d like to extend my gratitude to the support of this initiative among my brother priests and lay faithful, who nominated the young men they thought would be good candidates for the priesthood during Called By Name Sunday. Our hope is to make this a regular program of the outreach of the Office of Vocations. Click here to learn more about Vocations Ministry who helped us in our efforts.

Fr. Peter Nemcek, Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg