Father Peter Dumag, 42, is the new director of vocations for the Diocese of Honolulu. Originally ordained for the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in the Philippines in 1992, he joined the Hawaii diocese this year. He is the son of a veterinarian and retired school principal, and has five brothers (one of whom is deceased) and one sister. He came to Hawaii on March 5, 2001, as part of a program in which priests from his Philippine diocese work in Hawaii parishes for a set number of years.

Which person have you admired most in your life and why?

My Mom, for endless love and support by visiting me wherever I have been assigned.

If you hadn’t become a priest, what would you have been?

A lawyer! When I was in grade school, I looked up to my cousins, many of whom were attorneys. But after my uncle — my mother’s brother who is a priest — helped me get into the high school seminary, I forgot all about my desire to be a lawyer.

What is your favorite Bible passage and why?

“Whoever wishes to follow me, must deny his self and take up his cross.” That was my theme when I was ordained a priest.

What book are you reading now?

“Let God’s Light Shine For” — the spiritual vision of Pope Benedict XVI

Do you have any hobbies?

Snorkeling. Scuba diving. I learned how to scuba dive when I was assigned to St. Theresa Church in Kihei, Maui. I used to take Bishop Silva snorkeling when he visited Maui and have taken him twice to Hanauma Bay and once to Waimea on Oahu.

Who in the world would you most like to meet?

The pope.

What is your favorite movie?

“Romero.” (The story of Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador who was assassinated while saying Mass in 1980.)

Where is the one place you never have been but always wanted to visit?

Rome, Italy.