Meet the Discerners

Although they are not yet seminarians, these discerners are open to the question of whether God is calling them to be a priest. They have begun a process of prayer and exploration into that question, with accompaniment by our Director of Vocations and Priestly Formation, Fr. Azam “Vianney” Mansha, CJM. In these early days, they continue their life in the world, including their normal studies and/or career.

introducing: discerner Emmanuel Junaid

My name is Emmanuel Junaid, son of Francis. I am 34 years old and I serve as a Teacher of English and Scriptures at the O Level, Karachi - Pakistan.

Since childhood, my heart’s deepest desire has been to become a priest — to humbly serve and love God and His people immensely. I want to present the offering of my soul to God as an act of gratitude for all His wonders in my life: the joys, the sorrows, and every experience that has shaped me.

My calling is to win souls and to draw them closer to God. Whether I am in the classroom teaching, or in quiet prayer, my goal is the same: to reflect God’s love, to share His Word, and to walk with others toward Him.

I am thankful for the gift of teaching, because it gives me the opportunity to nurture young minds not only in knowledge, but also in faith, truth, and compassion. Every student I meet is a reminder of God’s trust in me. I offer my life, my work, and my heart to God in gratitude for all He has done. I am pursuing my vocation guidance and direction with the Eudists Community, Fr. Azam “Vianney” Mansha is spiritually nurturing and enlightening my faith and vocation.

[Lord, please bless Emmanuel in his continuing discernment.]

introducing: discerner Cesar Palomera

My name is Cesar Palomera from Orange, CA. I am discerning the Catholic priesthood. My home parish is St. Polycarp in Stanton, Diocese of Orange, where I am a lector and a member of Young Adults and Adults for Christ. I came to know Eudist Fathers through Fr. Azam, CJM whom I met at Mission San Luis Rey.

[Lord, please bless Cesar in these early days of his discernment!]

Introducing: discerner Arsalan Isaac

I am Arsalan Isaac from Pakistan. I completed my years of philosophical studies while in formation with the Franciscans. I did not know about the Eudist Fathers till I encountered the activities of the Sowing the Seeds of Mercy. Through Fr. Azam Mansha, CJM - I began my process of Eudist discernment and would be happy to join the Eudist Priestly Formation Program.

[Lord, please bless Arsalan in these days of his discernment.]

Introducing: discerner Andrew Gunderson

Andrew Gunderson is a senior at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo. He is studying Bio Chemistry and is very active in the Catholic Newman Center. He begin his Eudist discernment on the invitation of Fr. Azam. Andrew’s hobbies are snorkeling, skim boarding, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, reading, and volunteering his time

[Lord, please bless Andrew in these early days of his discernment!]

Introducing: discerner augustine john

Introducing: discerner Azal Farhad

My name is Azal Farhad, and I am from Pakistan. I have obtained a Pontifical degree in Philosophy. Inspired by the Eudist mission in Pakistan, I reached to Fr. Azam and began the process of discernment. I desire to dedicate my life to the service of Christ, love blessed Virgin Mary and Catholic Church.

[Lord, please bless Azal in these days of his discernment.]

Introducing: discerner Diego Mendoza

Hello! My name is Diego Mendoza, I am 22 years old, and this past Spring I graduated from UCSD as a pre-med Human Biology major. I grew up in Spring Valley with my two older brothers who, unfortunately for me, have never stopped teasing the baby of the family. For the past six years, I have grown closer to God and the Catholic church, serving my parish as a lector. I enjoy reading the word of God each time I step up onto the lectern. One evening, before lectoring for the Saturday vigil mass, Father Azam approached me and invited me to the Eudist house as a discerner. I accepted, as I have always been interested in what it was like to be a Catholic priest. I thank Father Azam for inviting me to meet this lovely and kind community!

[Lord, please bless Diego in these early days of his discernment.]