These seven men are beginning a process of prayer and exploration as they consider whether God is calling them to priesthood. They are not yet seminarians: they continue their studies or careers with accompaniment from Father Azam “Vianney” Mansha, the Eudist Director of Vocations and Priestly Formation. We invite you to keep each discerner in your prayers.
Emmanuel Junaid
A 34-year-old English and Scripture teacher in Karachi, Emmanuel has long felt drawn to priesthood. He sees teaching and prayer as ways to share God’s love and is discerning with the Eudist community.
Cesar Palomera
From Orange, California, Cesar is discerning the Catholic priesthood. He serves as a lector and is active in parish young-adult groups; he met the Eudists through Father Azam at Mission San Luis Rey.
Arsalan Isaac
Arsalan, from Pakistan, completed philosophical studies with the Franciscans. He encountered the Eudists through Seeds of Mercy and began discerning an Eudist vocation with Father Azam.
Andrew Gunderson
A biochemistry senior at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Andrew is active at the Catholic Newman Center. He began discernment after an invitation from Father Azam and enjoys outdoor activities, reading, and volunteering.
Augustine John
Augustine, from Karachi, came to know the Eudists through their Seeds of Mercy ministry. He is grateful for Father Azam’s guidance as he explores Eudist spirituality and vocation.
Azal Farhad
Azal, from Pakistan, holds a pontifical degree in philosophy. Inspired by the Eudist mission there, he hopes to dedicate his life to Christ, Mary, and the Catholic Church.
Diego Mendoza
At 22, Diego graduated from UC San Diego in pre-med human biology. A parish lector for six years, he accepted an invitation to meet the Eudist community and explore priesthood.
Our seminarian
Asim Ashiq
Asim has been part of the Eudist Priestly Formation Program since 2024. Originally from the Multan Province of Pakistan, he studied philosophy and theology at the Archdiocesan Seminary of Karachi. He encountered the Eudists’ Sowing the Seeds of Mercy ministry in Pakistan, then joined the formation program in the San Diego area; it was his first trip outside his home country.
In his third year of theology at the Franciscan School of Theology, Asim has committed to enter Probation, the final stage of Eudist formation before ordination, which lasts at least four years. Please pray for him as he continues to seek God’s will in discernment and formation.
Prayer for vocations
Raise up, O Lord, in your Church the vocation of service of the holy Apostles and priests. Bless the Congregation of Jesus and Mary with more priests to collaborate in the work of evangelization and in the formation of good laborers of the Gospel. Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us. Saint John Eudes, pray for us.
Taking the first step
The suggested profile includes a desire to serve Christ and his Church, a life of faith and prayer, and involvement in a parish or another Church community. These are not substitutes for a personal conversation: the vocation director invites you to discuss your gifts and circumstances. The director can help you discern, with no obligation.
