Hometown: Tigard, OR
Year in Formation: Postulant
High School: Valley Catholic High School (Beaverton, OR), 2019
College: University of Portland (Portland, OR), 2023
College Major: History & Spanish
Patron Saint: St. Nicholas (my namesake) and St. Pope John Paul II (my confirmation name)
Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption, Lord of the Rings, Catch Me if You Can, Idiocracy
Favorite Books: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr., Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett
Favorite Music: Owl City, U2, Imagine Dragons, AC/DC, Sabaton
Hobbies: Reading, creative writing, backpacking, cooking, baseball
Most Memorable Prayer/Liturgy you have Attended: Installation Mass for Archbishop Sample in 2013
Place of Pilgrimage you Most Want to Visit and why: Mexico City and La Tilma. I love the story of La Virgen, and as a student of Spanish it would be a wonderful opportunity to pray in a second language — plus the experience of pilgrimage in a foreign country appeals to me because it mimics our spiritual journey.
Favorite Way to Pray: Liturgy
Favorite Devotion: Divine Mercy
What Drew you to Holy Cross: The witness of the Holy Cross priests and brothers at UP drew me in, and as I got to know both them and the order better, I found within myself a deep appreciation for Moreau’s spirituality and an attraction to the charism of Holy Cross. I knew I had to set off and see if that pull I was experiencing was God calling me, so here I am!
Your Vocation Story: Like most discernment stories, mine started at home, where my parents provided a solid domestic church that encouraged me and my siblings to live our faith with purpose and joy. I think the first time I can remember thinking about priesthood as an option was when I was around 4-5 years old and playing “Mass” with my sisters. The call started in earnest as a high schooler, but as I reflect on my journey to this point, I think it has always been a murmur in my heart. I think over the years it has manifested in a love of altar serving, a desire to be a preacher and teacher of the Word, a love for the intellectual heritage of the Church, and a desire to be a pastor and dispenser of the Sacramental life. I entered college still hearing the calling, but perhaps trying to intentionally ignore it and chart my own future. But, as I overcame my hesitations and fears, I heard the Lord calling out to me again and again, until I chose to give him my “Yes.”
Favorite Verse: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let the hearer say, ‘Come.’ Let the one who thirsts come forward, and the one who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water.” – Revelation 22:17
Favorite Quote: Combining Aquinas and John Paul II, because I think their quotes together best communicate the heart of the Christian life: Non Nisi Te Domine, me Totus Tuus; “Nothing but you Lord, I am totally yours.”
How can visitors to this page pray for you? Pray that I may always follow the Holy Spirit and remain close to Christ! Also for patience, openness, and fortitude during the long process of formation.