Favorite hobby: Hiking and getting out on the trails is my favorite hobby and the best way for me to relax. Being outside in nature, especially up on a mountain, puts everything back in perspective and helps me reconnect with the Lord.

Favorite scripture passage: My favorite Scripture passage is Romans 5:8 “But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” I love this passage because it reminds us that Jesus came to save us not because we earned it, or deserved it, or were good enough to make God want to save us, but only because he loves us. He took the initiative to save us even when we were sinners. And the only reason he did that is because he loves us.

Favorite food: I love all kinds of food and enjoy spending time with my family and friends around a good meal. I’m afraid to commit to a specific favorite food because that might rule other ones out!

Fun fact: The first job I ever had was working for mom when she ran her own catering business. But it wasn’t traditional catering the way you’d think – most of her business was feeding film crews who were shooting on location in the MD/DC area. It was an interesting way to earn my first paycheck!

Favorite person in the Holy Trinity: How can you pick just one?

Favorite Saint: My favorite saint is Thérèse of Lisieux. Her childlike confidence in the Lord has always been inspiring to me, as well as her acceptance of her weaknesses and littleness. In a world that tells us we should be self-sufficient and should rely on no one but ourselves, St. Thérèse shows us that God’s way is completely the opposite. Ever since entering seminary I have counted on her prayers and intercession and have seen great things happen as she prays for me!

Favorite bible character/disciple: One of my favorites is St. Paul. I love his zeal and his missionary heart that led him to travel the ancient world so that everyone could know Jesus. In all of this, St. Paul had to learn to rely on the Lord, not himself. How hard this must have been for a former pharisee who tried to be perfect on his own! I love when Paul shares this lesson the Lord taught him: “But the Lord said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Favorite sports team: I enjoy football the most, so I’ve got to say the Baltimore Ravens.

What I love most about my job: I love getting to tell people about Jesus and everything he has done for us (and for me personally). I love being able to celebrate the Sacraments and being an instrument that God can use to bring Jesus to all those in need. And as a parish priest, I really love being in a parish family where I can be a shepherd to God’s people from when they are born to when they die and everything in between.

Favorite hobby: Playing the bass

Favorite scripture passage: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so are we. 1 John 3:1

Fun fact: Co-authored the recently published book, “Catholic Churches of Hawaii: A Shoal of Faith,” a historical introduction on the origins of Catholicism in Hawaii.

Happy Birthday: Born on Mothers' Day Favorite Saint: St. Damien of Molokai

Favorite bible character/disciple: Mary Magdalene

Favorite sports team: Baltimore Orioles, Clemson Tigers

What I love most about my job: The people I serve

Favorite hobby: Growing in and sharing my faith

Favorite scripture passage: Philippians 2:12-13 “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for His good purpose, works in you …”

Favorite food: Italiano naturalmente

Fun fact: The first day I arrived in Italy (February 1973) I met my future wife – 6 months later we were married.

Favorite member of the Trinity: The Holy Spirit

Favorite saint: St. Padre Pio

What I love most about being a deacon: Proclaiming the Gospel

Favorite hobby: Camping and fishing

Favorite scripture passage: Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32

Favorite food: Spaghetti with clams

Fun fact: Proposed to my wife (Christina) at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Rome, but I almost popped the question at a gas station.

Favorite saint: St. Michael the Archangel

Favorite bible character/disciple: St. Peter

Favorite sports team: NY Mets

What part of being a deacon are you most looking forward to? Serving others especially visiting the sick in the hospital

What I am most looking forward to at SJE: Looking forward to my first Advent and Lent as a deacon and also helping young families pursue holiness

Hometown: Bamenda, Cameroon

Siblings in birth order: Nelson, Joseph, Shiadrik, Blandine and Promise.

Favorite sport: soccer

Favorite team: Manchester United

Favorite vacation spot: Assateague Island National Seashore

Favorite scripture passage: “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:68–69); and

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).

Fun fact: I don’t know how to swim. I almost drowned the last time I tried. Friends thought I was faking it, but it was real.

Favorite hobby: playing tennis.

Profession if not a priest: doctor, lab technician, or teacher.

Favorite Saint: St. Thomas of Aquinas.

Hidden talent: Debates!

Favorite hobby: Anything on or near the water, especially taking my paddle board out at sunrise.

Favorite scripture passage: Romans 5:1-5

Favorite food: Any meal with friends and family is my favorite

Fun fact: Division I athlete at Notre Dame

Favorite saint: Saint Catherine of Sienna

What I love most about my job: My people!

Favorite hobby: Traveling and cooking

Favorite scripture passage: 1 Samuel 1:27

Favorite food: Steamed crabs and really good summer tomatoes

Fun fact: I’ve been to 31 countries but only 27 states in the U.S.

Favorite person of the Holy Trinity: The Holy Spirit

Favorite saint: St. George

Favorite bible character/disciple: Noah

Favorite sports team: Villanova Wildcats

What you love most about your job: The people I work with (& my commute!)

Favorite vacation spot: I love spending time in OCMD with my family and friends. It’s the highlight of summer.

Fun fact about me: I used to be a hairstylist back in the day.

Favorite part of my job: I am blessed to serve the parents and children of St. John as they journey to a closer relationship with Jesus. I am so thankful to serve alongside this amazing St. John team.

No one knows I can: Twirl a baton – I was a majorette in school.

Saint you most often find yourself praying to and why: As a mom, I am drawn to praying to St. Monica.

Favorite scripture passage: My mother always reminded me of God’s abundant love and forgiveness, and loved to quote Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Favorite food: Well, I was born and raised on the Eastern Shore, so I love steamed crabs, crab soup, crab cakes, anything crab!

If I didn’t work at St. John I would be: still working as a legal secretary in downtown Baltimore.