Formation Stage

Discipleship Stage IV

Home Parish

La Purisima, Orange

Seminary

Mount Angel Seminary

Favorite Saint(s)

Catherine of Siena

Favorite Marian Apparition(s)

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Favorite Book or Movie

Rommi Sweet home by Scott Hahn

Favorite Hobby

Working out and playing sports

Background

What are some of the factors that led to your decision to enter the seminary and discern the question of a vocation to the priesthood?

After a powerful encounter with Jesus in prayer following high school, I longed for everyone to experience the peace that life in Christ brings. I began serving at my parish and felt the Lord calling me to give more of myself, though I wasn’t sure what that meant. While pondering this question, I met FOCUS missionaries on my college campus at Fullerton, who showed me what full-time mission could look like, and I was inspired. After four years of sharing the Gospel on college campuses, I felt the Lord inviting me to discern a priestly vocation, which terrified me. After months of wrestling with this in prayer, I surrendered all my desires to the One who made me, trusting He would provide greater joy in this life and the next. He is a Father who gives good gifts, and I am choosing to trust in that.

Who are some of the people who influenced your decision to enter the seminary? What is it about them that assisted you?

“After a powerful encounter with Jesus in prayer following high school, I longed for everyone to experience the peace that life in Christ brings. I began serving at my parish and felt the Lord calling me to give more of myself, though I wasn’t sure what that meant. While pondering this question, I met FOCUS missionaries on my college campus at Fullerton, who showed me what full-time mission could look like, and I was inspired. After four years of sharing the Gospel on college campuses, I felt the Lord inviting me to discern a priestly vocation, which terrified me. After months of wrestling with this in prayer, I surrendered all my desires to the One who made me, trusting He would provide greater joy in this life and the next. He is a Father who gives good gifts, and I am choosing to trust in that. ” My parents were my first guides. They taught me how to pray, ensured I honored the Sabbath, and helped me understand the truth of the Eucharist. Without their influence, I wouldn’t have turned to prayer during my time of need after high school. My siblings also played a vital role in my discernment, each contributing uniquely to my human, spiritual, and intellectual formation. Lastly, Ben and Emily O’Neill, the missionaries at CSUF, befriended me and walked with me during college, deepening my love for Scripture and sharing the Gospel. Countless others also played a part, including my godparents and extended family, and I regret not being able to mention them all by name.

Describe the moment that you knew you wanted to take the next steps to become a priest?

In 2019, while attending a weekday Mass, I experienced a profound moment during the consecration. As the priest elevated the host, I felt the Lord ask if I could bring Him into the world for His people in this way. I was deeply honored yet terrified, but I knew I wouldn’t find true peace without responding to His call.