Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you're becoming a priest?
Coming from a strong Catholic family, my family has been very supportive in my discernment process. They have supported me through their prayers
and presence as I journey towards the possibility of the priesthood. My friends have also been very supportive and been there for me. I feel that
both my family and friends have been very instrumental in my entire discernment journey.
Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?
As a seminarian, there are many opportunities to have fun. For example working at retreats and working with the youth is always very rewarding and exciting.
There is also a great deal of free time for one to do things that one enjoys. For example, in my case, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows such as "
Everybody Loves Raymond". I also enjoy going out with my friends and enjoying a good dinner. Spending time with my brothers in Seminary is also
always a great thing to do on free time. Yet, the most important thing that I enjoy is just be able to go home and visit with my family.
If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be?
Before entering seminary, I worked as a CFO in several Non-Profits organizations and this is something, which I think I would enjoy doing
if I were not in seminary. I worked for several years and while it was different that the priesthood, I feel that in a way, one is still
serving others who are in need within my community. If I were not a CFO, I think I would still enjoy and would like to work in some sort of
Non-Profit organization because I would be giving back to my community.
How many brothers and sisters do you have?
I have three sisters, who are all older than I am. All my three sisters are married and have children.
What is your favorite TV program?
My favorite TV show is "Everybody Loves Raymond". I really enjoy this program and think it is the funniest thing on television.
Who is your favorite singer or music group?
One of my favorite groups is a Spanish Rock group called "Mana". I think that they are one of the best groups who play this type of music.
Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest?
While studying can be very demanding and difficult at times, I don't think that it is boring at all. I think that it actually very interesting and
when one keeps in mind that we are doing this to serve God, it becomes even more interesting. And in those times when it gets difficult,
the important thing that I must ask myself the question; "why am I doing this?"
And of course the answer for that is always that I am doing it for God and it is then when things get easier.
How is a seminary different than a regular school?
I think that the big difference is that when one is in seminary, prayer is an important part of our daily lives and also that
we live in a community which has the same goal as I do which is to discern what God is calling me to do. This is very important because
there is always a support system in the community. And the main part of the support system is always prayer.
How often do you see your family?
Being in Rome, I don't visit my family often but during my time at St. Francis in San Diego I had the opportunity to visit my family at least once a month. This for me is very important because my family is the one who has really nourished my vocation.
Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don't make much money?
I think that I can be happy even thought priest don't get paid very much. I think that the important reason why one becomes a priest is to serve God and
the people of God. When one enters formation with this in mind, money really becomes secondary and not something that is extremely important, in addition
to the fact that we do receive enough money to buy the basic things we need.
Who helped you decide to become a priest?
I think that the many priests whom I have encountered in the Diocese have truly inspired me, but there have been several who have had a greater
impact on me. First, there is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, whom was also the pastor of my home parish during
my high school years. He has always been a man of prayer and of love for God and His Church. In addition to him, there is also the pastor of my home
parish when I entered formation, Fr. Edmundo Zarate and my current pastor, Fr. Gerardo Fernandez. Both of these priests have also served as a great
example of what a priest should be.
What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?
I think that the best thing about being a priest will be being able to bring Christ to the people. Being able to administer the Sacraments and simply
being there for the people will be a great experience and one of the greatest joys I will ever experience.
