Formation Stage: Propaedeutic
Diocese: Jefferson City
Hometown: Jefferson City, MO
Home Parish: St. Martin, St. Martin
Justin Thomas Francka
After serving the funeral Mass for my parish priest as an eighth grader, I received a letter from a parishioner who mentioned I should think about the priesthood. I had felt an attraction to the priesthood before, but upon reading these words I felt my heart was pierced and began to greatly desire to be a priest. I felt this desire throughout high school but did not respond. In college, I began to spend time in adoration and realized that this desire for priesthood never left me. I applied to seminary in college and am blessed to be here today.
Favorite Quote or Bible Verse
“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.” – St. Augustine of Hippo
Fun Fact
I have not worn jeans since I was in second grade.