Hunter Messner, Cristian Karakash and Zavior Franck each heard the Lord’s call in different ways, yet their paths have converged on the same mission: discerning the priesthood for the Diocese of Duluth.

Cristian, a first-year seminarian from St. Joseph’s in Chisholm, never imagined pursuing this vocation. The first hint came years after his grandmother’s passing, when he discovered a letter requesting she be buried with a particular rosary. Honoring that wish brought unexpected peace and, in that same moment, awakened the first stirrings of a call to the priesthood. With encouragement from a close friend, those seeds of vocation began to grow. 

Hunter’s journey began differently. A convert to Catholicism, he spent his early years after confirmation devouring the writings of the saints. His confirmation saint, St. Thomas Aquinas, helped him see that holiness is not limited to personality type. Curiosity grew into attraction during long Holy Hours, until Hunter approached a vocations director and began discerning in earnest.

Zavior’s call began early, having been raised in a Catholic home where faith was central. Hours spent before the Eucharist during high school deepened his vocation, leading him to enter Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary after graduating in 2019. Four years later, Bishop Felton invited him to continue formation in Rome — a decision confirmed in prayer when Zavior told the Lord, “All I want is a priestly heart,” and heard, “I will give you that in Rome.” Now in his seventh year, he is just a year and a half from ordination.

Seminary life has brought surprises for each of them. Cristian recalls the challenge of moving from the quiet solitude of being an only child to sharing daily life with more than 100 seminarians — a transition that required learning to navigate constant interaction and community living. Hunter found the rhythm of daily Mass and Holy Hours gave his spiritual life a depth he hadn’t anticipated. Zavior describes his years of formation — both in Winona and Rome — as a journey of joys and challenges, marked by grace and perseverance.

All three speak of the same gift: formation rooted in human, intellectual and spiritual pillars. Each knows God may lead them anywhere, yet they share confidence that, for now, they are exactly where they are meant to be.

Gratitude runs deep in their stories. Hunter shares how letters and prayers from his home parish remind him that the entire diocese stands behind him. Zavior emphasizes the financial support that has made his years of formation possible, noting that without such support, the burden would have been overwhelming.

For these three men, discernment is not a solitary path. It is a pilgrimage sustained by the prayers, encouragement and generosity of an entire diocesan family. Each of them expresses heartfelt thanks for the support of their families, priests, vocation directors, Bishop Felton and the countless parishioners who keep them in prayer. Hunter treasures the letters and cards that affirm he is never alone. Cristian values the encouragement that first gave him the courage to take this step. Without this network of prayer and generosity, their journeys would not be possible. Supporting seminarians is not just helpful — it is essential to the future of the Church.