Emilio Capin
Somehow, I felt there was an emptiness in me that could not be filled by obtaining a degree or finding a good job. I was involved in many ministries in my parish, but this too was not enough….
Emilio is from the Philippines.
He started his seminary formation
in 2020 and is currently in his sixth year, preparing for his ordination
to the diaconate.
Gerson Badayos
One day I watched a video of Pope Francis about vocation. I cannot exactly recall what he said, but what I remembered was, “If you have that sense of the vocation, cultivate that, it’s actually God himself who puts that in your heart”. It struck me… After watching it, I started searching…
Gerson is from the Philippines.
He started his seminary formation
in February 2021, and is currently
on pastoral placement in
Holy Family Parish in Nelson.
Kham Nguyen
I feel blessed to have been born in a Catholic family, surrounded by the love of neighbors, with the Church in the middle of our village. After I finished university in Vietnam, in September 2022, I came to New Zealand to follow priesthood as a student of the Archdiocese of Wellington. Since then, I have been helped, supported and guided by priests and parishioners as I learned English and the New Zealand culture. With your prayer and support, I hope to always walk in the way of Jesus.
Kham Nguyen comes from
Vietnam. He spent two years in
Holy Trinity Parish,
and started his seminary
formation in February 2025.
Dyester Abo-Abo
Before moving to New Zealand from the Philippines, I worked at a Jesuit university and taught Psychology for over 8 years.
I grew up being actively involved in the parish, where I met wonderful priests and religious who inspired me to consider the vocation of priesthood. I love exploring new places and cultures, and am grateful to have this opportunity to explore priesthood in the Archdiocese of Wellington.
Dyester is from the Philippines.
He spent a year in Wellington South Parish, and started his seminary formation in February 2025.