On May 17, Emanuel Zetino will be ordained a priest for the diocese of Montreal at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral. The future priest shares his vocational journey in the brief report that follows.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jr 1:5)

The Lord is at the origin of all vocations. This is a call I have felt ever since I was 9 years-old when I was an altar boy in my parish. It was a call that needed to be answered with a personal “yes”, but that had to be supported by a great number of people during the discernment process.

The support of my family helped me during my youth years, because my parents and my siblings knew me best. As I grew up, the Christian community helped me discern the charisms I was granted with by the Lord to ensure my personal growth, so that I could become a better person.

Then, formal training started as I joined seminary school. This is where I really established a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. Being a seminarian also meant letting myself get shaped. I had to let go of ballroom dancing, something I had done for six years, in order to devote my entire time to the training required in service to the Church. So, leisure activities had to go, a sacrifice that would enable me to serve the Lord completely.

When I arrived in the parish, I found joy through service, a joy felt when parishioners would discover God’s presence in their lives, the importance to pray, the taste for Scripture reading, etc. This is what motivates me on a daily basis in my ministry and vocation.

On May 17, at 7:30 p.m., at the cathedral Mary, Queen of the World, at the call of Archbishop Lépine to priesthood for the Archdiocese of Montreal, I will answer: “Here I am”, knowing that I am not alone, but surrounded by so many people : my family, friends and priests, as well as parishioners who support me in that moment.

Today, as I take a look back on my vocational journey, I wholeheartedly thank all the people who pray for me, who financially support me and who, by their presence, testify to the love of God.