Fifth-year Hobart seminarian, Jessie Banez, was raised in the rural area of Albay in the Philippines and he moved to the country's capital, Manila, for university and work.
Jessie admits that he is an adventurous personality, however, and that he felt called to come to Australia to study for the priesthood.
"I like most of the time to be challenged in all aspects of my life, thus venturing a missionary life is significant part of my decision," Jessie explains. "I rely most in my faith to God as I put all my decisions and undertakings in His hands, as I respond to this kind of calling."
In this interview, Jackson Saunders goes 1 on 1 with Jessie to find out more about him.
We will begin with the deep and meaningful
Why do you feel called to become a priest?
It's a response for all the blessings God gave me, despite all the odds in life. My discernment towards priesthood serves as a second chance that God gave me to live my life meaningfully.
Which priests have had the biggest influence in your life and on your vocation?
I owe my vocation to the priests and brothers of the Salesian Congregation as they rekindled my vocation which started in childhood.
Why did you decide to study for the priesthood at Corpus Christi College?
I believe that the training in Corpus Christi will better equip and prepare me to the priestly ministry in the future in order to serve the people of Tasmania. This is a deeper calling to respond on God’s invitation toward missionary life.
Picture by Jude Ezeme.
More about Jessie...
What is your favourite food?
I like sea foods and fish.
What is your favourite drink?
Any Cola or soda drinks
What is your favourite movie?
Spider Man
What is your favourite TV or radio show?
National Geographic Channel
What are your hobbies?
Basketball and fishing
What is your favourite country in the world?
Definitely Australia
Which countries do you want to visit in the future?
Israel, France, Poland and Italy
If you were lost on an island and could only have three items with you, what would you take?
A match stick, a knife and a bottle of water
If you could invite any three people in the world to dinner, who would they be?
Pope Francis, my Vocation Director, and my Archbishop.
What is your favourite Aussie Slang?
True blue
Who is your favourite saint?
San Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
What is your favourite scripture passage?
“If you abide in Me and my Words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done. (John 15:17)
What was your profession prior to joining the seminary?
Parish worker for the street children and educator
What was your home parish?
Don Bosco Parish Makati City, Philippines