Claretian Seminarians
These are the men studying to be Claretian Missionaries for the USA-Canada Province. They are from different countries, with different stories, and in different levels of study. Their vocation stories are unique and inspiring. If you are discerning, their stories may help you on your journey. We ask you to pray for them as they continue walking the path God has laid out for them.
David Gutierrez, Cmf
Level of Study: 4th year Theology
Fresno, CA
It all began with a simple question: “What do you want me to do, God?” Never did I imagine that the question would lead me on a path of discernment. Growing up near a Claretian parish helped me discern with the Claretians. However, it was the charism, the mission, and the members that inspired me to join the Claretian Missionaries. It has not always been easy, but it has been a more fulfilling life than I could have ever hoped for.
Ray John Mejorada, Cmf
Level of Study: 4th year Theology
Philippines
My vocation started when I was an altar server helping my parish priest to put his vestments on. I was in awe at how captivating his vestments were. And so, I asked myself, how would it feel when I will also wear my own vestments in the future? I continued my discernment until my vocation was confirmed at search-in where I heard the song The Pilgrim’s Theme with the chorus, “why don’t we follow the voice that calls within?” I pondered that question and reflected that, if God is calling me, then I responded YES every day.
Tien Vu, Cmf
Level of Study: 3rd year Theology
Vietnam
Benedict Lu,
Level of Study: 1st year Philosophy
China
My vocation started when I was a small boy wherein I found the black cassock of priests was very attractive. I wanted to wear it someday. So my dream of becoming a priest started at that moment even though the motivation was not that pure. However, eventually I began to develop deep love for God and desire to serve the poor and the marginalized. The Claretian congregation’s devotion to our Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Anthony Mary Claret’s discipleship moved me to join the Claretian Missionaries.
Yuanman Chen
Level of Study: 1st year Philosophy
China
When I was little, I used to spend most of my time in my parish because there were Sisters and Seminarians who used to gather us together and gave us candies and snacks. I was attracted by them, and I too tended to be a priest. After high school, I did not go to the college, but went to the seminary and started my life as a seminarian. In the seminary, I met a Claretian brother, Sid, who introduced congregation to me and invited me to have a come and see program, but I did not go because I did not want to join any other organization but my diocese. After three years study, I felt life in seminary was boring, and I wanted to get married. After internship year, I left seminary. By the time I started working, Br. Sid connected me and invited me to see the life of missionaries in Indonesia. I went and I finally understood the life of Claretian missionaries. After two months discerning, I decided to join the congregation. If going to a diocese seminary was for a dream of my childhood, joining the congregation is the beginning of a dream come true. One thing I've always believed in is that God has chosen me.