After finishing his philosophy studies at the University of Munich, Seelos attends their School of Theology for only one year. It was during this time that he decides to ask for admission into the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, wanting to become a missionary in the United States. It was taken for granted among his family that Seelos would become a priest, but they were not expecting that he would move across the ocean! During a vacation at home he reveals his decision to his father, who approves of his desire to pursue his calling in America but wisely promises not to say anything to his mother until necessary.