The Serra Club is working with The Catholic Miscellany to provide a series of profiles on the Diocese of Charleston’s seminarians.
MIAMI—Seminarian Jared Jackson is in his second year at St. John Vianney in Miami. He will be ordained to the priesthood in six years.
Who is a person you admire and why?
Jesus Christ. I see how He shines through different people that I have encountered and how He has guided and protected me. (Growing up I used to admire athletes, in general.)
How did you discern the direction of your vocation?
I became more serious about this as a senior in high school as I was deciding about college life and particularly when I was asked: “Do you want to be a priest?” It was at that time that I realized that many of the options open to me would be unsatisfying and I decided to take discernment to the next level.
What skills will you bring to your vocation?
I am a good listener and I have a hard-working work ethic. Seminary life helps me to find peace and a balance in daily life within a human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral sense.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
My mother’s home, Bohol, in the Philippines, where I met family. Also, I went on pilgrimages. It was beautiful to see the different types of church architecture. One church had a secret image on the wall that was only noticeable when a person took a photo of it. The image was of St. Padre Pio. Seeing the beauty of the country such as Chocolate Hills was unforgettable.
What do you want to be remembered for?
My mom taught me the virtue of humility at a young age. So like her, I’d rather be one of those unknown saints.
Name three words that describe you.
Hard-headed, easy-going, and quiet.
What do you enjoy reading?
I am admittedly not a bookworm, but I enjoy reading Tolkien’s books, such as “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings”, as they put me in a whole different universe.
What is your favorite past-time?
Skateboarding has found its way to my heart. I first attempted it after a silent retreat that talked about overcoming fear. A fellow brother seminarian gave me a skateboard prior to that time, but I was always afraid to try because I never wanted to get hurt.
What is a cause you care about?
I care deeply about praying for the end of abortion — a looming giant of evil that I see as a huge worldwide problem.
What would you say would be your personal motto?
A deacon once encouraged me to: “Be the best version of yourself.” This helps me to avoid being prideful and to get out ahead of myself.
The Serra Club of Charleston is a member of the USA branch of Serra International with the goal of nurturing vocations. Email Debra Dinolfo at debdinolfo@gmail.com
