Seminarians
The following men are among those currently in formation with the Oblates of the Virgin Mary in the United States:
Deacon John Luong, O.M.V.
John was born on the Fourth of July to Chinese parents and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He studied biology at Dominican University in Sienna Heights, Michigan and worked preparing chemotherapy drugs at the University of Colorado Hospital. He was introduced to the Oblates by the Archbishop of Denver, and after a “come and see” week in Boston, decided that it was with the Oblates that he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Br. John took Final Vows on January 20 and was ordained to the transitional diaconate the next day. He continues his final year of study as he awaits eventual priesthood ordination.
“I came, I saw and I stayed. Christ and Mary conquered my heart. I am happy to be here to discern my call to religious life.”
Br. Stephen Fahrig, O.M.V.
Br. Steve grew up in the Oblate parish of St. Mary in Alton, Illinois. After graduating from college, he entered the Oblates and pursued his dream of specializing in Sacred Scripture and teaching theology. He obtained a license in Sacred Theology from the pontifical faculty at Weston School of Theology, now known as Boston College School of Theology. As he finishes his doctorate and prepares for ordination, Br. Steve serves as an adjunct faculty member of both Blessed John XXIII National Seminary and St. John Seminary and fills the role of academic dean at our own Our Lady of Grace Seminary.
“Growing up in an Oblate parish has allowed me to drink in the charism of Fr. Lanteri from my earliest years. It is a charism greatly needed in the world today, and I rejoice to share in it.”
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 second 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-five 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.
“I am very excited to see what God has in store for me as I begin 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.
“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.”
Matthew Wittlin
Matthew, thirty-one years old, is from Hortonville, Wisconsin. He earned his degree in Mortuary Science and has worked as a funeral director assistant for many years. He has also served as cantor during Sunday Mass at his local church and has worked as a professional public address announcer. In September of 2011, Matthew began his formation with the Oblates of the Virgin Mary.
“My favorite quote: ‘Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’ ” (Matthew 9:13)
Scott Zajac
Scott, hailing from St. John, Indiana is thirty-four 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.
“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 studying, praying, and growing with the Oblates as I begin this next step of my vocational journey.”
Please pray for all our seminarians!
