Seminarians with the Oblates of the Virgin Mary begin the formation process at Our Lady of Grace Seminary in Boston, MA. Learn about our seminarians in the United States by reviewing each their profiles and favorite quotes below. We also welcome you to pray for them as they work through formation on the path to taking their final vows.
Br. Christopher Puglia, OMV
Br. Christopher Puglia, OMV, was born and raised in Townsend, Massachusetts, alongside his younger brother. He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University in 2017. During his time at college, he was introduced to the Oblates at St. Francis Chapel and St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine.
After working for two years as an Electrical Engineer, he began his studies at Our Lady of Grace Seminary in August 2019. He completed his novitiate and professed vows in August 2022. Having served for a year at St. Peter Chanel Parish in California, he is currently back in Boston completing his Theological studies.
“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
Br. Miguel Roque, OMV
Br. Miggo was born and raised in Paranaque city in the Philippines, and is the youngest of three children. He and his family moved to the U.S. in 2011 and live in Orange County, California. Br. Miggo was a youth leader for Youth for Christ, an outreach of Couples for Christ. He first encountered the Oblates through the OMV parish of St. Peter Chanel in Hawaiian Gardens, where he made the Spiritual Exercises. He graduated from California State University-Long Beach, earning a B.A. in Religious Studies. Br. Miggo enjoys long-distance running and playing basketball.
He entered the Oblates in August 2019, joined the novitiate in August 2021, professed his first vows in August 2022, and completed a pastoral year in 2024 at our parish, San Pedro, in Venice, Florida. He is currently in his third year of theology studies.
“Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
St. Padre Pio
Br. Andrew Olson, OMV
Br. Andrew comes from Glendale, AZ. He became Catholic during his freshman year of college at Arizona State University, where he studied Biochemistry. Shortly after his Confirmation, he felt the Lord calling him to discern the priesthood and eventually spent five years studying in Denver, CO for the Diocese of Phoenix. He later decided to step away from diocesan formation and take some time to discern where God may be calling him. This led him to the Oblates, whom he had met during his time in Denver.
Br. Andrew began his postulancy in August of 2022, entered the novitiate in July of 2023, and made his first profession of vows in August of 2024. He is currently on pastoral assignment.
“Without a doubt, it is a great grace to receive the Sacraments; but when the good God does not permit it, it is still good, all is grace.”
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Zach Smith
Zach grew up in Belleville, Michigan and has one younger sister. He earned his bachelors in Computer Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 2020. Immediately after college Zach became a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, (FOCUS). He served four years total, two in Massachusetts and two in Missouri. It was through his time with FOCUS where he got to know and serve along with the Oblates. Those friendships helped him to take the step in discerning the call to priesthood, and to follow Christ more closely in religious life with the Oblates.
Currently, he is a second year postulant and is completing his philosophy studies. Zach enjoys being outdoors, especially while riding a bike or hiking.
“And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.”
John 17:3
Xavier Stooks
Xavier was born and raised in Tampa, Florida and has two sisters and two brothers. He earned an Associates Degree in Health Sciences at Sante Fe College in 2023. While at college he was involved with the Catholic Gators community as a head altar server, OCIA sponsor, and Bible study leader. Xavier enjoys playing basketball, singing, and making people laugh.
He began seminary formation in August 2024 and is currently in his second year of postulancy pursuing a degree in Philosophy.
“Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
John 6:68
Shea Mattson
Shea comes from Selah, Washington and was raised with two sisters. He attended the University of Idaho from 2020-25 and competed on the Vandals’ track and cross country programs for all five years. He finished school with an M.A.T. in Secondary Education along with a Minor in History and a B.A. in Broadcasting and Digital Media. He first encountered the Oblates while attending a Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) Summer Projects site in Newry, Maine during the summer of 2022. Undergoing spiritual direction for several years and participating in Idaho’s “Vandal Catholic” community helped him uncover a calling to discern the religious life and priesthood in Boston.
He is currently in his first year of formation as a postulant. Outside of running, he enjoys watching college football, eating his mom’s cooking, and getting outdoors with friends.
“You never go away from us, yet we have difficulty in returning to You. Come, Lord, stir us up and call us back. Kindle and seize us. Be our fire and our sweetness. Let us love. Let us run.”
St. Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
Simon Neta
Simon grew up with three siblings in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He studied petroleum engineering at the University of North Dakota. During this time, the Newman Center community helped him personally encounter Jesus. Upon graduation in 2022, he served as a missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). He met the Oblates during this time in California and was inspired to apply.
Currently, he is a postulant and is in his first year of philosophy studies. He enjoys cooking, board games and hiking.
Recently Ordained and Professed
Join us in celebrating the Priestly Ordination of seminarians who have recently completed their formation with the Oblates of the Virgin Mary.
Fr. Jonathon Hank, OMV
Fr. Jonathon came to us from Corcoran, MN, a small suburb of Minneapolis. The first of three children, Fr. Jonathon earned his B.S. in Physics and Mathematics in 2015 from the University of Minnesota, where he was active in Saint Paul’s Outreach. He first heard of the Oblates when reading Fr. Tim Gallagher’s Discernment of Spirits, and he was recommended to them by the campus minister at his university. He took the leap in August 2016 to begin seminary formation in Boston. He professed his perpetual vows in May 2023 and was ordained to the priesthood on July 27, 2024. In his free time, Fr. Jonathon plays a lot of chess and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
“In all that you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of Christ Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
Fr. Jorge Sanchez, OMV
Born as the second of three children in Fullerton, CA, Fr. Jorge later resided in Long Beach. He pursued his passion for film, earning an AA degree in Film from Cerritos College and gaining experience as an assistant on various film shoots. Fr. Jorge’s journey towards the Oblates of the Virgin Mary began when he learned about their mission through his godparents, who celebrated their marriage at the OMV parish of St. Peter Chanel in Hawaiian Gardens, CA.
A lover of film, Fr. Jorge finds inspiration in the works of cinematic giants such as Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, and Christopher Nolan. Beyond his appreciation for the art of filmmaking, he also enjoys editing and writing scripts for films. He professed his first vows in August 2019 and was ordained to the priesthood on July 27, 2024.
“Holiness does not consist in never failing, but in rising immediately, recognizing your weakness and asking God’s forgiveness, and in doing this with peace of heart without letting ourselves be troubled.”
Venerable Bruno Lanteri
- Fr. Jay-Ar San Juan Ordination (July 2023)
- Fr. Jonas Verdeflor Ordination (June 2023)
- Fr. Leland Thorpe Ordination (August 2022)
- Fr. Nathan Marzonie Ordination (August 2022)
- Fr. Paul Kallal Ordination (August 2020)
- Fr. Rafael Solorio Ordination (July 2019)
- Fr. Paul Nguyen Ordination (August 2018)
Each year on the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, Oblates and seminarians renew their vows in a special celebration. If you feel that God is also calling you to live a religious life with us, we welcome you to learn more about becoming an Oblate.
