By Anna Weaver | Hawaii Catholic Herald

Meet David Soares, 21, a Big Island resident and St. Joseph, Hilo, parishioner. He recently began studies for the priesthood at Mount Angel Seminary and Abbey at Saint Benedict, Ore., with another new seminarian for the Diocese of Honolulu, Kauai boy EJ Resinto.

Schooling

Waiakeawaena Elementary School; Waiakea High School; Hawaii Community College, two-year degree in administration of justice.

When did you consider the priesthood as a vocation?

I started considering the priesthood when a fellow parishioner asked me if I ever wanted to become a priest. I give a lot of gratitude to our Blessed Mother, for without her I would never be where I am today. I finally feel I am where I belong, right here in the church in communion with God. God wants all of us to serve him and this is how he wants me to serve him. I just want to say “yes” to his will.

What are you looking forward to as you start the seminary?

I look forward to deepening my love for God in a humble way with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all of your prayers.

Challenges?

I think I might face challenges with the studies but with God’s help and good will and determination I will be fine.