Here are 5 misconceptions people often have about priesthood. 1. Someone out there believes that once you enter into seminary school, you will definitely be ordained. This is a very popular misconception that we need to let people come to terms with. Seminary is for discernment, not just training. I have had many seminarian brothers leave the seminary at their own will because God makes it clear for them early that their call is elsewhere. 2. Some people believe that if they are holy and prayerful, they must be called to be a priest or is a sign that they have priestly vocation. This can be very challenging but at the same time misleading. Holiness is purely for everyone. Even those marriage, religious life, or single life can practice holiness or be holy, but prayerfulness alone doesn’t automatically mean priesthood. 3. Some people believe that the Church owe them ordination if they complete their seminary formation/studies. In my early years of formation, i used to see ordination as a graduation prize. But now, i no longer see it from such lens. Ordination is simply the Church’s recognition of God’s call, and the Church can decide otherwise even late in the process. This is what we all seminarians should be ready for. Those aspiring to enter into the seminary should also know this from scratch. 4. Some people believe that wanting to serve God is enough. Let me tell you with all honesty, desire is important, yes! but being a priest in this era also requires specific qualities; maturity, and suitability that the Church discerns carefully. So, it is not enough to have a desire for the priesthood. You should have enviable qualities. All priests you see today or have come across showed up with one or two qualities suitable for the service of the Church. 5. Some people believe that once God calls you, it will be easy and straightforward. In the seminary, there are trying times, and there can be delays too. If you do not have challenges from external factors, you will have with internal factors. It is important that we know that God’s path rarely comes with a straight line. There's no sure ticket to become a priest. This is letting God be God and the Church be the Church. I am Chidiebere - @chi_di_talker