Jason Priela St. John Vianney College Seminary (Senior Year) Home Parish: St. Catherine of Siena, Largo

Jason was born in the Philippines and grew up near the Subic Bay US Naval Base.  Jason went to St. Joseph’s High School and spent one year at the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas in Manila before his family immigrated to the United States.  In 2001, Jason enlisted in the US Air Force and worked as a database systems analyst.  He was assigned mostly to Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota.  Jason is now a senior at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami. He enjoys watching movies, listening to music, bowling, reading, and likes to travel.
 

Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you’re becoming a priest?  Yes. I went back to the Philippines this summer and it is overwhelming to see the reactions of my family and distant relatives when they found out that I am studying for the priesthood.  It is both humbling and inspiring to hear them express their excitement for this particular vocation.  I am moved by their devotion to the Church and deep love to our Lord and in the priesthood. 

Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?   Yes.  For my free time I like to visit my parents, get in touch with my friends, rent a movie, browse around at Best Buy, see what’s new at Borders Bookstore, go bowling, listen to a music selection while I run.

If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be? Hmm, tough question…  I would be working in a soup kitchen feeding the homeless, or, overseas working as a missionary to the poor.

How many brothers and sisters do you have?  I have a brother and two sisters.  Eden, my older sister, is 28 years old, Mervyn is 21, and my younger sister Farina is 18 years old.

What is your favorite TV program?  I like watching the Travel Channel especially the show with Samantha Brown.  I also enjoy watching Planet Earth on Discovery Channel. 

Who is your favorite singer or music group?  Josh Groban, Michael Buble, and Sarah Brightman are my favorite singers.  I like listening to Keane, Maroon 5, MLTR, and R.E.M. 

Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest?   Studying to be a priest keeps me on my toes; I like the busyness and the craziness of it all.  The entire experience pushes me to grow and to have a better understanding of myself and others.

How is a seminary different than a regular school?  Unlike a regular school, the seminary forms one not just on the academic level but also in human, spiritual, and pastoral aspect.  The entire program hones us into a more complete and balanced individuals.   

How often do you see your family?  I get to see my family on semester breaks, especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don’t make much money?  Happiness is not measured on the number of things one possesses or how much money one has.  It took me [about] 6 years working in a pharmaceutical industry and 4 years serving in the Armed Forces to figure this one out.  For me happiness reflects the peace and the inner contentment we have in the deepest recesses of our hearts.  We attain peace by our surrender and love to God through our service and love for others. 

Who helped you decide to become a priest?  I get inspired by the example of good, humble, and holy priests sacrificing and dedicating their life for others.  Fr. Michael Weber and Fr. James Ludwikoski are two of the many Catholic Chaplains I met while I was serving in the Air Force.  Their guidance and example inspired me to consider the possibility to enter the seminary.  After my enlistment, Fr. Len Plazewski and Fr. Kenneth Malley became my mentors as I undergo formation.   

When did you decide to study to be a priest?  How did you know God was calling you to be a priest?  I decided to apply for the seminary in 2004.  I wish I can say that God is definitely calling me to be a priest… I don’t know.  There are days when I seem to be sure that this is what I would like to do, and there are days also when I feel that I am incapable of continuing…  But the beauty that keeps attracting me is [that] amidst the uncertainties of my daily activities (as a seminarian), I know that I am not alone.  After a busy day, at night as I prepare to sleep, I feel at peace and I smile in knowing that I gave my all, and most of all—I trusted.

What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?  To be that visible reminder of God’s love.