Fr. Manas Khurana

Where are you from? I was born in New Delhi, India in a Hindu family. I moved to Mississauga, ON with my parents and younger sister in 2007. When you were a child, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up? When I was a child I desired to be a psychiatrist. In my teenage years, I wanted to be a punk rock star. Some other occupations I considered were: Cricket batsman, Engineer and Math teacher. But God had better dreams and plans. What was your background before you joined the Companions of the Cross? I studied Geomatics Engineering and did my Masters in Earth and Space Science at York University. I worked as a researcher and a teacher before I started discerning priesthood. What are your special interests? In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and reading comics. I am also a fan of professional wrestling. Who, or what, inspires you? I am inspired by radically joyful and compassionate people, who live out the truth that “God is love” (1 John 4:8) and that He is in control. My favourite saints are St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Francis of Assissi and St. Peter. What led you to join the Companions of the Cross? Could you briefly explain your vocation story? After years of searching for the purpose of my life as a young adult, I decided to give my life to Christ and was baptized in 2014. I entered into full communion with the Catholic Church in 2016. Ever since I became a Christian, I had a strong desire to spread the Gospel. My conversion was drastic and was spurred on by a certain dissatisfaction I experienced during my studies. Even though I was good at Engineering, and I enjoyed being a Mathematics Instructor, I really only felt fulfilled while ministering in the Church. While I was finishing my Master’s degree, I had a conversion to the Catholic faith. It was soon after, in Adoration, that I felt a calling to the priesthood. Through various experiences and prayer, I recognized that God wanted to fulfil the deepest desires of my heart through this vocation. However, I had to wait a couple years before I was able to join the Community. It’s been quite a journey since then. I am grateful to God for all that He has done so far and all that He has planned for my future.