Part of a series of profiles of nine newly ordained priests in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

When Father Adam Tokashiki, a member of Pro Ecclesia Sancta, encountered Christ as a high school student in Lima, Peru, in the early 2000s, quitting his punk rock band and cutting his long hair were just the beginning of a radical life redirection that culminated in his ordination to the priesthood 4,000 miles away in St. Paul on May 28.

Father Tokashiki, 29, whose grandparents immigrated to Peru from Japan, grew up in Lima, the youngest of four boys. Not really practicing his faith while growing up, he was first inspired by members of the Peru-based Pro Ecclesia Sancta religious order who helped with youth formation at his high school. They were lively and approachable, yet disciplined, he said.

“It wasn’t just a family, but an army.”

During his senior year, he said he discovered the Lord — the fulfillment of his quest for beauty, truth and goodness. Father Tokashiki switched from electric to classical guitar and continued to work with PES after graduation.

He joined the order in 2006, drawn by the life rooted in prayer, apostolate, leadership, charity and fraternity. Leaving home for good at 19 was difficult for him and his parents, but he said in time, his parents have been blessed by his vocation. First as a brother and now as a priest, Father Tokashiki finds joy in PES’ balance between apostolic work and contemplative prayer.

In 2009, he came to St. Mark in St. Paul, the archdiocesan parish run by PES priests, brothers and sisters, where he served while attending the University of St. Thomas and the St. Paul Seminary. As a priest, Father Tokashiki said he will offer the sacraments, lead marriage and baptismal preparation, and religious formation; help with the order’s house and formation; serve at the University of St. Thomas and Chesterton Academy.

“There’s plenty, plenty to do!”