Michael Figura
Theology I
North American College
Hello! My name is Michael Figura and I have been happy to call Omaha my home my entire life. I am the third of four children and my home parish is St. Stephen the Martyr.
Growing up, I was grateful that the Lord provided me with experiences in which I could get to know Him better. Spending time with my parish youth group, attending retreats and Steubenville conferences, and volunteering at Camp Virtus et Veritas provided me with times of authentic prayer in which I could more clearly hear God’s voice.
As a high school student, I attended Skutt Catholic High School. While at Skutt, I was blessed with countless opportunities to grow in my faith. These came in both the simple things, like access to Skutt’s chapel during the day, and the life-changing experiences, like making the March for Life pilgrimage and attending the FOCUS Student Leadership Summit conference in Chicago. It was in these moments of spiritual nourishment that I began to consider that Christ might be calling me to serve him in a particular way.
Entering college, I knew that I wanted my faith to continue to be a central part of my life. I spent my freshman year studying at the University of Nebraska at Omaha while living at the St. John Paul II Newman Center. At the Newman Center, I was immersed in an energetic community of young individuals who were striving for holiness. As the year went on, I began to recognize how God is at work in my life and in others’ lives each and every day. Through frequent prayer and reception of the sacraments, I grew tremendously in relationship with Christ. Along with this spiritual deepening my desire to serve God and the Church became clear.
I graduated from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota, after for years at St. John Vianey Seminary in St. Paul. I am now at the North American College in Rome and growing in community with the seminarians there!
In my free time, I enjoy playing board games, making music, cooking, biking, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family. Some of my interests include music, graphic design, traveling, and the Saints.
If I were to offer advice to anyone discerning their vocation, I would remind them not to forget the universal call to holiness. In his inaugural homily, Pope Saint John Paul II proclaims: “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power.”
Here, JPII boldly encourages us to cast off the fears of the world and to embrace the fullness of life that Christ offers us. In my experience, I was brought the most peace and joy once I had surrendered to God and recognized that His plan will bring me fulfillment.