John Assaf

Parish: St. Pius X, Rock Island

Birthdate: July 20

Seminary: Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary: Entered 2022, Class of 2030

Why did you become a seminarian?
I started high school with many doubts about the Catholic faith. During my freshman year, I had an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist where I believed that He was real - and truly present! That experience caused a conversion of heart and the question of God's will for my life quickly arose. When I thought about the possibility of myself as a priest and bringing the Eucharist to the world, I felt my heart burning within me. This desire continued and was discerned throughout high school. By the time I was a senior, I was confident that seminary was the next step for me.

What did you do before seminary?
I am really close to my brothers, so I spent a lot of time with them as well as with friends, and even worked a little bit for a landscaping company called Stojo, named after St. Joseph. I also attended Alleman High School, where I'm most proud to have started a group that would go to a daily mass and breakfast once a week before school on late start days.

An interesting fact about you:
My family is from Syria, so I was baptized and confirmed in the Maronite Rite, which is part of the Eastern branch of the Church and in full communion with the pope and Roman Catholics. I can also speak Arabic!