Joy and happiness of others in holy orders attracted Korean immigrant
By Josh Tng
The B.C. Catholic
Father Lucio Choi was ordained May 14, 2016. Born in South Korea, he immigrated with his family to Calgary in 1999. Father Choi spoke to The B.C. Catholic about his experiences in a new country and his favourite hobbies.
The B.C. Catholic: What led you to the priesthood?
Father Lucio Choi: When I was in high school I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life, and what career path I should take. I was thinking about what gave me real joy and happiness. I realized a lot of priests in my life were joyous and happy.
That led me to seminary, and I followed the path to the priesthood. I was led by example by priests in my life, showing me what I could have as a priest.
BCC: What was it like, moving to a completely different country?
FLC: It was very difficult for the family and me. Learning the language, living in a new environment, making new friends: you just have to learn everything from scratch.
My parents struggled during those times financially. They came with a dream and a hope for their children, but the reality was much more challenging than expected. My family had financial difficulty, but we stuck together in difficult times.
Along the way, we met really good people who helped us establish ourselves in Canada. One person in particular was my ESL teacher. She taught my brother and I what Canada is all about, not just the language.
She tried to immerse us in the culture, the beauty of the country, and its history. People like her really touched me, which helped us love and understand Canada.
BCC: How have your various life experiences prepared you for the priesthood?
FLC: I look back at my life, and my life in the seminary, and I realize God prepared me for the priesthood.
My family’s financial difficulties led me to deal with tribulations. I had to take a couple of years off from the seminary to work at my parent’s sushi restaurant.
For two years I worked 12 hours a day, six days a week. I had a difficult time understanding God’s will. I was resentful towards God, working 12 hours a day. But He led me back to the seminary after.
At times, as a seminarian, I was angry with God still. But now I know God prepared me to understand others when they come to me for counselling and direction, being able to relate and have empathy.
I really think He prepared a priestly heart in me for my vocation and for the people in the Church. Now I can say I am grateful for my experiences. I don’t know if I want to do them again, but now I can see how it fits into God’s plan.
BCC: How is life as a priest so far?
FLC: In one word, it’s very humbling. As a new priest, I’ve spent a lot of time in my parish listening to confessions. I can’t help but feel humbled. It’s been incredible to witness people’s love for the Church, their devotion to God, and their faith.
It’s been a really humbling experience so far, but it’s been really great. I have been praying to God to stay fresh and have the heart of a new priest.
I definitely look forward to being with my own parish (and) having a stable schedule. Being appointed to my own parish is something I’m really looking forward to.
BCC: What types of hobbies do you do in your free time?
FLC: My close friends know I’m really into fishing, especially fly-fishing. The reason I really like it is I get to enjoy God’s gift of nature, and I really get to meditate upon God’s love for His people. I definitely don’t feel I deserve this wondrous beauty, but fishing is a way to experience God’s love.
I also love cooking. I have a collection of cookbooks and love to watch the Food Network. I like reading articles on (food) trends and how they present food and techniques. Though I know I won’t be a chef anymore, I still like to cook for my friends and family.
BCC: Do you have a favourite food?
FLC: I’m really into making pasta. Recently I got a pasta maker, to make fresh pasta from scratch. As I mentioned earlier, my parents were at one time in the sushi business.
As a result, I learned to make sushi rolls, and I’m critical when it comes to sushi, though I’m a big fan of it. I enjoy different foods!
BCC: What can you say to people struggling to discern their priestly vocations?
FLC: This journey has been really wonderful, as a seminarian, a deacon, and now as a priest.
The Archdiocese of Vancouver is a wonderful place to be a priest, with many people who love God, respect their priests, and hold a love for the priestly vocation. I’m really grateful for the people of the archdiocese.
I know a lot of young men are discerning and considering the vocation, and are uncertain, but I think there’s nothing more realistic and more certain than loving God.
Sometimes God asks men to manifest their love in the priestly vocation. Don’t be afraid to listen to God’s call and follow it. At the same time, don’t forget you’re never alone.
People often forget that discerning a vocation is not just a one-man job. The Church, the vocations office, and people in the diocese will help as well. No one is going to regret following God’s plan or God’s call.
