Prominent Catholic influencer, software engineer leaves career to become a priest

The creator behind the popular Instagram account “theironinquisitor” has announced he is leaving behind a successful career in engineering — and a growing digital platform — to enter seminary and begin formation to become a priest.

Randall Williams, a Catholic software engineer, evangelist, and competitive bodybuilder, made the announcement in a recent Instagram post. 

“Yesterday I quit my job, and today I am joining the seminary (Latin, diocesan),” he said. “I have dreams of becoming a military chaplain. It’s been a ride. I love you all.”

In recent months, Williams saw rapid growth in his online reach, with “theironinquisitor” drawing more than 100,000 followers and over 100 million cumulative views across platforms. He collaborated with Catholic organizations including Catholic Answers and Live Action and was invited to the Vatican for the Jubilee.

Despite these opportunities, Williams said he could not ignore the call to a different life. 

“I can’t keep living this bachelor life, and I’ve felt a sense of restlessness, and a pull to seminary for the past 3 years,” he said.

He also shared a piece of priestly advice that shaped his decision: “Don’t fall in love with the gifts, fall in love with the gift giver.”

Father Rafael Capó, vice president for mission and dean of theology at St. Thomas University in Miami, and an influencer with more than 100,000 followers of his own, praised Williams’ decision in a post on X. 

He called it a “bold step” and said he was “beyond proud of [Williams] for staying strong in body, mind, and spirit, and for being truly strong in the Lord.”

Fr. Capó added that it had been “an honor to accompany him in this journey of vocation discernment” and encouraged others to keep Williams in prayer as he begins seminary life.

Williams credited his discernment to a few key spiritual practices.

“One of the biggest cheat codes in my discernment has been 1) a great spiritual director 2) adoration 3) Mary,” he said. “Her fiat, or ‘yes’ to God, is very inspiring.”