LAST June 2011, Fr. Eurel Manzano, 26, became the youngest priest in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston following his ordination.
But Fr. Eurel did not get the “call” early. He originally planned to become a doctor and went to the University of Washington where he studied pre-med. Then, came God’s call to the priesthood and Manzano switched to “pre-clergy,” taking up Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. He then went on to attend seminary at St. Mary’s in Houston, Texas, where he also earned his Master’s of Divinity in the University of St. Thomas School of Theology at St. Mary Seminary.
According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, when Manzano decided to seek ordination, he had to deal with dueling pressures from his Filipino parents: devotion to the church and the importance of family.
Giving up the opportunity for marriage and children “was an obstacle from the get-go. As Filipinos, they have great reverence for family and family life. It helps that my brother is able to carry on the family name, as it were,” Manzano told the Chronicle.
Talking about his ordination a few months ago, Fr. Manzano said, “It’s amazing. It’s humbling. It’s the day that you dream of since you first have an inkling about becoming a priest. This is the start of a new life.”
Fr. Manzano now serves at the Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 19222 Tomball Pkwy.Houston, TX 77070-3510. His areas of Ministerial Training/Experience are in the fields of Parish and Hospital Chaplaincy.
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