Akbar "Saul" Perez says he is inspired to be a priest because of his burning desire to serve the Lord with all of his heart and serve his church and his people. "During my formation in the seminary, I hope to be able to configure my heart to the heart of Jesus, so that in the future I can be, if God allows me, a priest according to the heart of Jesus," says Akbar. His advice to anyone thinking about becoming a priest is to think about the vocation to the priesthood, and don't be afraid to open your heart to God and let yourself be loved and surprised by him. Afterwards, he will guide your steps.
Patrick Germann heard the call to enter seminary after completing a BA at CSU Stanislaus, and teaching History for three years at Central Valley High School in his hometown of Ceres. "I am so grateful for the time I was given to be with my students and coworkers,"he reflects "It was a period in my life that Jesus spent working on my heart; showing me that as much as I felt my vocation was as an educator, he was calling me like the Apostles at their nets, away from the familiar to something more.
"I can say confidently, as Mary did, 'He has done great things for me', and if that is His will, I want to be His priest so that my soul may magnify the Lord in the same way."
Patrick credits his parents, Andy and Jackie, with providing a solid foundation in faith, and for all those who encouraged him by their examples of faith, hope, and charity.
To those discerning a vocation to the priesthood, he says, "God, who is love, who has formed you and knew you before time began has made you for something. Jesus, risen from the dead, was calling you before you even started asking. You may not always feel certain in every moment what your answer to the call is, but 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and everything else will be given to you as a matter of course' (Matthew 6:33)".
Joshua Lesan says that his love for Jesus and his growing relationship with Him is what made him want to become a seminarian. "I felt the invitation to pursue priesthood in the seminary. I want to respond out of love to this generous call," says Joshua. He is a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus where he studied psychology. Joshua is now in Theology II, which is his fourth year at St. Patrick’s Seminary. He says that prioritizing his relationship with God and being open to what God wants for his life are the keys to his discernment. "Your primary call is to know, love, and serve God. He will reveal his secondary vocation to you in due time," says Lesan. "He wants you to trust Him. Give Him the opportunity and an open heart to do so.”
Joshua advises those considering the priesthood as their vocation to be attentive to the Lord in prayer and ask Him what He wants you to do, not what you want to do. Once you can surrender your life to Him and be at peace, that’s when you know you are headed in the right direction. Stay close to Mother Mary and pray your Rosary everyday; Our Lady will lead you down the right path. Remember, the seminary is a place to further discern your vocation; just because one goes to the seminary, does not mean one will become a priest. “Do not conform yourself to this age...that you may discern the will of God” (Romans 12:2). Thank you for your prayers and support.
My name is Osvaldo Zuñiga. I was born and raised in Mexico up to age twelve. After graduating from High School in 2015, I attended San Joaquin Delta College and obtained an Associate's Degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities Social Science Studies. St. Linus Church (Stockton) is my home parish.
When I was nineteen years old, I committed myself to serve the Lord in any way possible, mainly at my home parish. It was definitely one of the best decisions that I have ever made, especially because God has given me amazing church friends and ten Godchildren over the years.