Reverend Zinjin Iglesia

St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
George Mason University
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

Learn what led Fr. Zinjin to the seminary.

What did you do prior to entering seminary?

I graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Biology and minor in Business, served the Catholic Campus Ministry as Student Campus Minister, lead a FOCUS Bible study, and was in the application cycle for dental schools.

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

World Youth Day 2016 in Kraków opened my eyes and heart to the astounding beauty of the true Universal Catholic Church, the beauty of my brothers and sisters from every corner of the planet that are in love with Jesus Christ, and the astounding effect that priests have on the people of the world. Relationships with the Dominican priests that accompanied me at World Youth Day in addition to my friendship with Fr. James Searby have done nothing but encourage and inspire me to discern the priesthood with courage and love.

Why do you want to be a priest?

We live amongst a culture of destruction, with many turning their backs on truth and God, and I feel called to be a part of the counter-culture fighting for construction as a priest, being God's instrument of mercy, hope, and love.

What are your favorite pastimes?

I love cooking, traveling, hiking, going to the beach, eating good food, and going on adventures with family and friends.

What is your favorite quote?

“Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.” - St. Mother Teresa

Who is your favorite Saint and why?

Saint John Paul II. His humility, simplicity, and strong devotion to the Virgin Mary encourages me to pursue a life in Christ just as he did. His experiences of losing his closest relatives at a young age, studying at an underground seminary during Communist rule, and forgiving the man that attempted to assassinate him are only a few of his many notable occurrences that inspire me to strive for virtue and sainthood, especially in the smallest of ways.

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?

Become a man of prayer, surround yourself with people that will support and empower you on your faith journey, and go all in. Do not let the worldliness of your surroundings distract you. From the words of St. Teresa of Avila, “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things; whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.”