Home Parish :
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St. Tarcisius, Framingham
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Seminary :
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Redemptoris Mater House of Formation
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Hobbies :
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Swimming, reading and arts
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When did you first start thinking about the priesthood?The first time I thought of the priesthood I was 17 years old, it happened in a vocational retreat with the Augustinian Recollects of Oxnard, California.
What were some major Catholic activities you participated in prior to the seminary? (e.g. Any world youth Day's? Any Major parish events? Any seminary/ Vocation Retreats? Movements? Cursillo? Pilgrimages?)I attended every World Youth Day since 1997 and participated in vocational retreats with the Augustinian Recollects in Oxnard, California. I also was a lay missionary for the Neocatechumenal Way.
How did you come to know Jesus Christ?Through the Neocatechumenal Way.
What is one of your favorite scripture passages? Why?"Come to me, all you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest" (Mt 11:28). I like this passage because it gives me strength in times of suffering.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?I lived in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for 4 years. I can speak four languages (Spanish, English, Italian, Creole) and I can understand Portuguese.
Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.Prayer is fundamental in my life. When I do not pray, my life becomes dry and loses flavor. Prayer is what make me keep a balance; it is what keeps me sane in times of trial
What are some of you your favorite books, spiritual readings, magazines?Books in general on The Fathers of the Desert, and "Come be My Light" by Mother Teresa.
Is seminary formation what you thought it would be? How has it been similar or different from your expectations?I have friends who are priest so I had a good idea of the seminary life. I have had much experience with many seminarians from other Redemptoris Mater Seminaries from around the world, and from listening to their experiences I pretty much knew what to expect.
What activities would you recommend in order to foster a culture of vocations?I think that to foster a culture of vocations it is important to promote vocational retreats, and to be open to the new ecclesial realities.
Did anyone invite you to consider priesthood? Please explain.Yes, people in the mission always did.
What were some of the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and His Church?The death of my father was an event that pushed me to come out of myself and ask the meaning of this life. This event forced upon me questions such as "who am I?", "what is the purpose of this life?", "is there life after death?", "where is my father now?" "Does God really exist?". These questions pushed me to seek for an answer, and this helped me to go and listen to the catechesis in my parish with the Neocatechumenal Way.
What signs led you to believe that God was calling you to be a priest?
The love for the mission and evangelization.
Please tell us, what are some of the most important parts of discernment?Openness to the will of God, prayer and obedience.
Who influenced you/ inspired you to priesthood? Please explain.Ricardo Vigil was a lay missionary who preached the good news to me. He was the first person to speak to me about the vocation to the priesthood. He died of cancer and his death helped me to open my eyes and ask God to help me to discover His will.
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation?Courage! Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid of God's plans in your life.
What is your day like in the seminary?We wake up at 6:0, at 7:00 we pray Morning Prayer, at 8:00 we have breakfast, and afterward we go to school. At 12:00 we have lunch and at 1:00 we pray Midday Prayer. After this we have classes in the afternoon. Then we have Evening Prayer and the Eucharist followed by dinner. After dinner we have time to study a little, do Night Prayer at 10:00, and by 11 o'clock it's lights out.
Through the Cardinal, God is calling you personally to help rebuild His Church. How might the priest respond to this mandate today?By a life of obedience, humility and holiness.
How does a priest best follow in the footsteps of the apostles?By witnessing what he preaches.
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