At Ave Maria University, we believe that a priest must be one who seeks holiness in his own life and leads God’s people to it as well. Fr. Dave Testa, who began the Ave Maria Pre-Theologate, had the great wisdom to situate our formation program in the context of the Center for Discernment. At Ave Maria University, we welcome all good men who are sincerely seeking to discern their vocation while pursuing an undergraduate degree. DISCOVER MORE

Cor ad cor loquitur

"The heart speaks to the heart” served as the motto for both St. Francis de Sales and John Henry Cardinal Newman, two giants in the history of Catholic spiritual thought and two outstanding models for priests....READ MORE

Let no one look down on you because of your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. Do not neglect the gifts you have been given, but attend to your duties; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. ( I Tim. 4:12-15)...FIND OUT MORE about the Program of Priestly Formation

Pope John Paul II charges Catholic colleges and universities to recognize that we have our origin in the Heart of the Church and to be faithful to that source as the very font of our life. In this way the conversation of hearts extends even to the classroom, as professors open their hearts to God that they may then touch the hearts of their students and share with them the Splendor of the Truth....READ MORE