Florida Catholic | Seminarian Jason Priela

Previous: Dominic Corona

Meet the Seminarian

Example of military chaplains led Air Force man toward priesthood

Published: 11.16.07

Jason Priela, 29

Home parish: St. Catherine of Siena, Largo

Seminary: St. John Vianney College Seminary

Work before seminary: U.S. Air Force

Hobbies: Bowling, volleyball, reading and collecting books, listening to music, watching movies, hanging out with family and friends.

FC: When was the first time you thought of the priesthood?

JASON PRIELA: I thought about the priesthood at a very young age, when I was 4 years old. At that age I thought about becoming a doctor or a priest, but the former sounded more practical. So I tried to abandon the thought. But through my childhood up until I turned 25, the voice never left me. In fact, it grew even stronger until I got exhausted running away, then finally I succumbed to the call.

FC: Who influenced you to want to become a priest and how did that person influence you?

JASON PRIELA: Throughout my life I have been blessed with humble and holy priests. Most of them I met during my active years of service in the U.S. Air Force. Whether I was at my home base or whether I was deployed overseas, the chaplains that I have had the chance to meet are simply awesome!

After my four years of enlistment, Father Kenneth Malley, our pastor at St. Catherine of Siena, influenced my decision to enter the seminary. His openness and love for the people, and his inexhaustible zeal to serve Our Lord is what attracted me to look deeper on my calling. Also, Father Len Plazewski, our vocation director, gave me the necessary boost to respond courageously.

FC: What is your favorite Scripture passage and why?

JASON PRIELA: The parable of the lost sheep (Mt 18:10-14) is my favorite. Here Jesus talks about a man who went searching for the one sheep that went astray. I find comfort and solace when Jesus says that it is not the will of the Father that one of these little ones — us — should perish. This passage gives me hope.

FC: What are some of the most important parts of the discernment process?

JASON PRIELA: I believe that spending time in silence in front of the Blessed Sacrament and receiving the Holy Eucharist worthily and daily is key to discerning God’s will in one’s life.

Also, what better way to know Jesus than through his mother? In my own journey, the Blessed Mother plays a vital role in my discernment to serve her son. Mary’s “fiat,” her definitive “yes” to the Lord sets an example for me to follow as I go through formation here in the seminary.

FC: What advice would you give to someone considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life?

JASON PRIELA: Pray and keep your focus on Christ. Avail yourself of the sacrament of reconciliation and attend Mass on a regular basis. Pray the rosary and reflect on the life of Our Lord. Allow Mary our mother to be your teacher and guide. Be not afraid of the call. Trust, be open and know that if God called you to serve, he will give you the graces you’ll need for your journey.

FC: Who is your favorite saint and why is he/she your favorite?

JASON PRIELA: St. Francis of Assisi and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta are two of my favorite saints. Their radical love for Jesus through their experience and service to the poor and the needy inspires to become a good follower of Christ.

FC: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned, spiritually, so far while at the seminary?

JASON PRIELA: I have learned that I am (but) a child in the eyes of God. Before entering the seminary I thought I knew it all; I thought that I can do all things on my own. Now, I am beginning to realize that without his help I can do nothing. All the struggles and all the challenges I encounter here in the seminary would be impossible for me to overcome without me asking for his grace. I am learning to surrender even more.

In cooperation with the diocesan Vocations Department, The Florida Catholic is periodically publishing a series of brief profiles of the men preparing for the priesthood in the diocese. For more information, visit the Vocations Department’s Web site at www.spvocation.org. E-mail the vocations director, Father Len Plazewski, at spvocation@aol.com. He also can be reached at 727-345-3452.

Return to Diocese of St. Petersburg Front Page

Example of military chaplains led Air Force man toward priesthood

Other Stories