Six men, multiple nationalities. When it comes to priestly vocations in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, such diversity is a happy fact of life.

On May 30, these candidates who hail from Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Mexico and Whittier will be ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, with Cardinal Roger Mahony presiding. All six have completed their theological formation at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, including year-long internships at parishes throughout the archdiocese, and the recent completion of service as transitional deacons.

Their unity in diversity and commitment to serve is perhaps best summarized by Father Budi Wardhana of Indonesia and the San Gabriel Valley, who noted that he once thought of becoming a missionary priest in other countries.

"I like to learn about other cultures," he told The Tidings. "But here in L.A., it is mission territory. I do not need to go abroad. I can find all kinds of people with different cultures and bring them the love of Jesus."

During their ordination weekend, the new priests will celebrate their first Masses at their respective home parishes, before they begin their first assignments as associate pastors on July 1. Following are brief profiles of the new priests.

Francis Melchior Villafranca Aguilar

Born: April 2, 1973, Quezon City, Philippines.
Parents: Igancio and Carmela Violeta Mulligan Villafranca Aguilar.
Education: Franklin High School, Los Angeles; UCLA (B.A. in Political Science).
Prior occupations: Executive recruiter (finance and accounting).
Home parish: Holy Trinity, San Pedro.
Transitional Diaconate: St. Michael, South Los Angeles
First Mass as priest: May 31, 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity.
First Assignment: St. Pius X, Santa Fe Springs.

On becoming a priest: "I have always wanted to serve God and God's people. In a profound way, my dad inspired me --- unbeknownst to him --- because I learned from him what it means to be joyful, loving and selfless. I am excited to share the love and joy that I experienced within my family to the rest of the people I will be serving."

Christopher Brian Fagan

Born: May 11, 1952 in Whittier.
Parents: Joseph T. and Dorothy Fagan.
Education: St. Mary of the Assumption School, Whittier; Whittier Union High School; Pomona College (B.A.); University of San Francisco Law School (J.D.).
Prior occupations: Attorney.
Home parish: St. Paul the Apostle and St. Sebastian, Westwood.
Transitional Diaconate: Holy Cross, Moorpark.
First Mass as priest: May 31, 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart, Lancaster.
First Assignment: St. Mary, Palmdale.

On becoming a priest: "When I was a kid, I wanted to be either an archaeologist or an astronaut, but by the time I finished college, I felt that becoming an attorney would be the best way I could support myself. Although I enjoyed my work as a lawyer for 24 years, my volunteer work in the parishes, working with the homeless and the elderly, advocating social justice issues, and preparing and coordinating liturgies caused me to reconsider my vocation. It gave me a sense of joy that, upon prayerful reflection and with spiritual direction, helped me realize that God was calling me to serve him and his people in a different way --- as a priest."

Julio César González Bautista

Born: Jan. 31, 1977 in Tuxcacuesco, Jalisco, Mexico.
Parents: Efigenia Bautista Pérez and Agustín González Almaraz.
Education: Seminario Diocesano de Colima, de La Sangre de Cristo, Mexico (Philosophy and Theology).
Home parish: St. Anthony of Padua, San Gabriel.
Transitional Diaconate: St. Mary Magdalen, Camarillo, and St. Anthony of Padua.
First Mass as priest: May 30, 5 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua, San Gabriel.
First Assignment: St. Charles Borromeo, North Hollywood.

On becoming a priest: "My reason for becoming a priest is Jesus Christ. He called me and I answer with all my limitations and strengths. My vocation belongs to him because he has freely given this gift to me. I want to be a priest because I want to serve with love, compassion and commitment God's people. I am only going to be able to serve with his help. I hope I can keep my focus on the sanctity of ordination and not get caught up in the business and administration of priestly life. I look forward to serving God's people through the Sacraments and, most of all, in the celebration of the Eucharist."

Richard Gene Sunwoo

Born: March 31, 1978 in Mong Mong, Guam.
Parents: Edmond and Angela Cho.
Education: Holy Trinity School, San Pedro; Bishop Montgomery High School, Torrance; St. John's Seminary College (B.A. in Philosophy and English).
Prior occupations: English teacher at Bishop Montgomery and St. Bernard High Schools.
Home parish: St. Raphael Korean Catholic Center, Norwalk.
Transitional Diaconate: St. Charles Borromeo, North Hollywood, and St. Raphael.
First Mass as priest: May 31, 2 p.m. at St. Raphael Korean Catholic Center, Norwalk (bilingual: Korean and English).
First Assignment: St. Lawrence Martyr, Redondo Beach.

On becoming a priest: "I was inspired by the witness of Father Alex Chung and Father Mark Choi in their ministry. They live very sincere lives, rooted in their relationship with Christ, that is filled with passion and integrity. I was also influenced by the life and example of Pope John Paul II, St. Bernadette and many of the Conventual Franciscan saints like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Joseph of Cupertino and St. Bonaventure."

Joseph Van Vu

Born: Feb. 15, 1966 in Long Khanh, Vietnam.
Parents: Hung Van Vu and the late Mat Thi Dang.
Education: St. John's Seminary College (B.A. in Philosophy).
Home parish: St. Lucy, Long Beach.
Transitional Diaconate: St. Christopher, West Covina.
First Masses as priest: May 30, 6 p.m. and May 31, 9 a.m. at St. Lucy.
First Assignment: Holy Trinity, San Pedro.

On becoming a priest: "My calling to study for the priesthood began when I was an altar boy. I had a wonderful chance to observe the priests who celebrated Masses. Day by day, it seemed God was inviting and calling me to be a priest and serve him and his people. Hence, I am called to be the witness of Christ in proclaiming the good news of salvation to the entire world. My love for God and one another must carry the same essence of unity and community so that all people can see God in their daily lives."

Budi Wardhana

Born: July 2, 1975 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Parents: Indrawan Jusuf and Els Wardhana.
Education: Kanisius Jesuit High School, Jakarta; Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia (B.A. in Business); Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio (MBA in Marketing)
Prior occupations: Entrepreneur, businessman.
Home parish: St. Stephen, Monterey Park; St. Luke, Temple City.
Transitional Diaconate: St. Stephen and St. Luke.
First Mass as priest: May 31, 2 p.m. at St. Stephen (bilingual: Indonesian and English).
First Assignment: St. Rose of Lima, Simi Valley.

On becoming a priest: "People live today in a busy, noisy and materialistic culture. The world tells us there is no God; people lose hope without God in their lives. As a priest, I want to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to all people. He is our hope. He is the living God who transforms despair into hope. I will strive to bring the love and mercy of Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist, the sacrament of reconciliation, and in my life to all those I meet, and especially to our young people."