Seminarians
These men are among those currently in formation with the Oblates of the Virgin Mary in the United States. Scroll down for more information on each seminarian.
Paul Nguyen
Paul hails from Long Beach, CA and is the oldest of four children. He earned a B.S. in Computer Science from Cal State Long Beach and worked in web design and development before joining the Oblates in September 2010. He also plays the violin, providing music for various church liturgies and has performed with the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra. He is now in his third year of formation with the Oblates.
“This is a house of Mary. For me, it all started with Mary. It is all too fitting that I am here with her.”
Joshua Kingdon
Born thirty-six years ago and hailing from Holden, MA, Joshua received his B.S. degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Investments from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. Later he moved to sunny California where he worked as an actor and casting assistant. Joshua entered the Oblate formation program in September of 2011 and is now in his second year. He still keeps up with his acting profession and did small parts in major Hollywood productions over the last summer.
“I am very excited to see what God has in store for me as I continue my seminary life with the Oblates.”
Rafael Solorio
Rafael, the eighth of ten children, was born and raised in a small town in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. He came to the United States when he was eighteen years old and worked for the past eleven years as a psychiatric technician in a developmental center helping the developmentally disabled. A resident of L.A., Rafael met the Oblates at our parish in Hawaiian Gardens. He entered Our Lady of Grace Seminary in the Fall of 2011 and is now in his second year of formation.
“The Oblates at St. Peter Chanel with their powerful witness and our Blessed Mother Mary have led me to discern my vocation to the religious life and priesthood.”
Scott Zajac
Scott, hailing from St. John, Indiana is thirty-five years old. He earned his BS and MS in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and worked for many years as a geotechnical engineer. After a careful discernment, Scott decided to enter the Oblates of the Virgin Mary in the Fall of 2011. He began his second year of formation last September.
“I am most grateful to the Holy Spirit for his guidance that led me here to Boston. I am happy to be here and look forward to continuing my vocational journey with the Oblates.”
Isaac Herrera
At the age of 22 Isaac is our youngest seminarian. The fourth of five children, Isaac is from Garden Grove, California and attended public school before embarking on college studies. He worked as a funeral director for two years before finally deciding to answer a call he first considered when he was 10 years old — a call to be a priest. Isaac entered Our Lady of Grace Seminary in September of 2012.
His favorite quote:
“Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” — Padre Pio
Nathan Marzonie
Nathan is 23 and comes to us from Flushing, MI. An Armenian, Nathan is fluent in both Armenian and Turkish as well as English. He is the fifth of six children and was homeschooled before entering the University of Michigan. He graduated in 2011 with a B.S. in Molecular Biology and a B.S. in Laboratory Science. He applied to medical school but felt a call to enter the seminary. He joined the Oblates in September 2012.
His favorite quote:
“The world offers you comfort; you were not made for comfort, but for greatness.” — Pope Benedict XVI
Chris Shaw
Chris is from Rosamond, CA and is 29 years old — the youngest of twelve children. An Eagle Scout, Chris was homeschooled and eventually earned his associates degree in Administration of Justice from Antelope Valley College. His six years of service in the Army National Guard saw him living in such diverse places as Germany, Kosovo, and several locations throughout the United States. He worked for the next three years as he discerned a call to the priesthood and religious life. He entered Our Lady of Grace Seminary in the fall of 2012.
His favorite quote:
“Love alone suffices.” — St. Therese of Lisieux
Please pray for all our seminarians!
<!–[endif]–>
