Year of Birth: 1987
High School: Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary
University: Mount Angel Seminary
Seminary: St. Patrick’s Seminary
Year in Seminary: 3rd Year Theology
Mailing Address: 320 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 94025
Favorite Saint: St. Thomas Aquinas

Thoughts on Priesthood:

Priesthood is only a sharing of the One True Priesthood of Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus is a blueprint of what it means to be a priest. Jesus loved the people and led them back to God. Through a constant invitation to the people to the loving embrace of God the Father, Jesus forgave their sins, healed them from sickness, and served and attended to their needs. Jesus loved his own and he truly was a servant of the people.

Why I Want to Be a Priest:

I want to become a priest because I want to share the unconditional love that God has given me in my life through his grace-filled sacraments.

How did your family and friends react when you made that decision? Are they supportive now?

At first my dad was not happy with my decision. Eventually my dad, together with my mom and my siblings, have been the most supportive in my road to the priesthood. My close friends are very supportive. Some of my old classmates still can not believe that I will become a priest someday.

What is the hardest part of being in the seminary?

The hardest part of being in the seminary is not being with my family. There are many instances that I not only miss the presence of my family but also miss some of their most important events.

What is the best part?

The best part of being in the seminary is the constant opportunities to grow in the spiritual life. It is like getting to know more about God every single day.

Who/what influenced your decision to enter the seminary?

My grandmother influenced my decision to enter the seminary. My 1st year in the seminary was all fun and excitement with my friends. However, at my grandmother’s deathbed, it was only then that she told me that she had been praying for me to be a priest and now she said that she can rest in peace in heaven. I went before the Blessed Sacrament and it was then that my doubts were turned into great joy through God’s discreet yet clear yes. He is going to be with me.

Hobbies & Interests:

Playing basketball, golf, table tennis, tennis, soccer and volleyball

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the priesthood?

I would say that priesthood is the most privileged path in life because you are God’s firsthand instrument of grace. It would not hurt if you enter the seminary for at least 3 months. You will know then if it is for you or not.

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