Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you're becoming a priest?
My parents are ecstatic that I am following God’s call to discern the priesthood full-time, at the St. Francis Center at USD.  My closest friends knew that I got the biggest joy from serving Christ’s people in the Church.  They are very supportive.  My parents’ godson (and my cousin) is a priest, so they are familiar with the process.  I have had to explain the steps involved to many people and I have enjoyed sharing the journey with them.  I am grateful for their prayers and encouragement.

Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?
Every day!  If anything, I must tone down the fun and focus on my classes to learn my Philosophy and Religious Studies.  In my free time, I visit family and friends “wherever they may be”.  I like to cook and dine with them.  I enjoy going to art museums and galleries.  Since I attended UCSD, I like going to La Jolla—the cove, Living Room Cafe, 24hr fitness, and strolls along the coast.  I listen to EWTN, the Catholic Channel, and electronica on Sirius Channels 160, 159, and 38, respectively.

If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be?
I had a very fulfilling position as a pharmaceutical sales representative.  I was blessed with wonderful colleagues, warm customers, and a supportive manager.  I had been with my employer for 10 years, and truly loved what I did—so I would still be there.  I valued every interaction that I had with other people each day.  They made me feel very special when I left.

How many brothers and sisters do you have?
I am the oldest of three.  I have one brother, Manuel.  I have a sister, Martha.  Both are married.

Who is your favorite singer or music group?
Diana Krall, Stevie Winwood, and Javier Solis are among my favorite vocalists.  Music wise I listen to electronica  (Paul Van Dyk or Tiesto) or J.S. Bach Piano or fast chamber music as my “auditory caffeine”.  I will listen to Bach Cello, Enya, or some Taize music to slow down.

Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest?
From classes, to daily prayer and mass, to breaking bread with my colleagues here, there is never a dull moment.  Additionally, we have a requirement of 2 parish duties.  Liturgically I will be in the choir.  I will also help teach 7&8^th graders at the Immaculata Parish.  So “No”, I have yet to be bored.

How is a seminary different than a regular school?
At seminary everything is ordered towards formation: Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Pastoral.  Formation is about building men up to act in the person of Christ as priests.  Priests teach, sanctify, and govern, so we must be well prepared.  Seminary is “Professional” school in the sense that we “profess” vows to the bishop and his successors.   I feel more motivated to study hard because I have more reason to do well.

By contrast, regular school is more general in its scope.

How often do you see your family?
I will see my immediate family quarterly.  Two of the cousins from my hometown live here in San Diego, so I am able to see blood relatives several times per month.  One of them has children, so it is a blessing to see them grow up.

Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don't make much money?
I have been happy with money and without it when I am surrounded by loving people.  I must say that when I do God’s work, for example teaching catechism, I am joyful even when the students don’t express gratitude.  I can see the growth in their Christian faith and knowledge, and I know that Christ is happy with me.  The peace is huge. 

So I am hopeful that the Lord will send warm people; however, I am willing to do the hard stuff which may be thankless in the short run.  Each day, I must examine my conscience to see if I am doing God’s will.  Doing so, always bring peace.

Who helped you decide to become a priest?
The good example of my pastor at St. John the Evangelist, SD Father Dillard was inspiring.  Seeing the transformation in my friend Jay Bananal was also influential.  Hearing people at a Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting with Bishop Brom talk about what they wanted in priests also made me think “Wow, I can do this.”  Seeing the courage exhibited by Bishop Cordileone was super-inspiring.

When did you decide to study to be a priest? How did you know God was calling you to be a priest?
Spiritual direction with Fr. Martin Latiff was critical.  The daily meditations and prayers that he prescribed really helped me to get in touch with God.  I started in February of 2009 with a “Holy indifference”, that is no preference towards marriage or priesthood—only the desire to choose the path that would lead me to peace.  Finally, on May 8^th of this year, at a Spirit and Truth meeting at Sacred Heart in Ocean Beach I felt it for the first time---“I want to be a priest!” I talked to the vocations director the following day, and began filling out forms a week later.  I have not wavered from this desire J

What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?
God willing, I will be representing Christ in my daily life, and I will be acting in his place during sacraments.  The very presence of Christ would pass through my hands, through the ministry of the Church.  Christ could heal the sinner, through the ministry entrusted to me.  I would visit the sick and anoint them as Christ would.  In each of these instances it would be Christ working through me.  This is humbling and truly awe inspiring, literally awesome!