Juno Lee

Background

I was born in Maryland, I stayed there only several years as child and grew up in Korea. I am an American-Korean who cannot speak English very well. My parents had to divorce when I was in elementary. I am not happy for that but I am not doomed for that, either. My parents obviously failed to understand each other but I could observe their effort to protect me from any emotional burden. It is impossible to say that I was not injured but I admit my both parents did their best for me and I know my God helped me to take it as it is and find happiness from my life as it is.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I like to play basketball although I am not good player. My interests have change so many times however recently the history of catholic is my interest.

What is one of your favorite scriptures?

My favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:1~13. It is about the way of love and how the love is greatest.

Who is your favorite saint and why?

I would say St. Dominic is my favorite saint. It also my baptismal name and I like the meaning of his name which is “Dog of the Lord”.

In a nutshell, what is your vocation story? How did you feel called to the priesthood?

One day, I had an odd experience which was very important to me. It was an ordinary Sunday, I attended a mass. I was kind of preoccupied with somewhat anxiousness about the future because I was about to take high school entrance examination (Korean High school required to take need examination in that time) So, just before Holy Communion, I prayed,” Look! Jesus, are you really calling me? Just look what I have here. I am not a promising young man. I am not very successful student at school, what I can do now? I even have to worry about high school.” And after I receive Holy Communion, I came back to my seat and waited until the procedure was over. Suddenly, a lady next to me laid her hands on my knees and asked me how old I am. So without any thinking, I told her I was 9th grade. She said to me, “You just need to step forward… With everything you have to do, you got to sweat your guts out. Even the schoolwork……” I couldn’t figure what was happening. Her words were ambiguous, not targeted, or indefinite but I just felt she was saying something what I needed to hear. I thought, ‘how can the answer for the question I asked to Jesus so miraculously come out from this very mouth of a lady like this? ‘and I soon prayed thankful to God for replying so fast. This incident was a biggest decisive turning point for me to make choice between regular or committed life, in other words, living as a priest or an ordinary man. Maybe if some other person who listens to this story will not get why or how it has a special meaning but I was sure that what the lady told me was the answer god gave me to answer my question.

What is seminary life like for you?

I would say the life in the seminary is great happiness. I am really enjoying the seminary life.

What do you look forward to about being a priest?

For now, I am trying to focus on my intellectual, especially English.

What advice do you have for other guys thinking about the priesthood?

When you feel that God is calling you, do not be afraid and constantly pray. He always gives you the answer.