Home Parish :
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Immaculate Conception, Revere
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Seminary :
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Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary
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College :
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Undergraduate - Universidade Católica de Brasília
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Hobbies :
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Reading, swimming, watching movies
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When did you first start thinking about the priesthood?Already in my childhood I expressed my intention to start attending vocational meetings, but my father was contrary to the idea. In 2003 I attended a spiritual retreat in which while I was praying Morning Prayer (The canticle of Daniel), I felt that God was calling me to the priesthood.
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 was a pilgrim in Aparecida, Brazil, in 2005, at the meeting of the communities of the Neocatechumenal Way of Brazil. I felt during this pilgrimage that God was calling me to the priesthood. In 2007, I went to the meeting with the Pope in Sao Paulo and Aparecida. I was also at the meeting with Kiko Argüello (initiator of the Neocatechumenal Way together with Carmen Hernandez) in Cachoeria Paulista, on May 14, 2007. It was on this occasion that I decided to enter the Seminary.
How did you come to know Jesus Christ?I met Christ in my childhood, through the Catholic teachings transmitted to me, and then later on through parish life events. For four years, I had a concrete experience of Christ, different from what I had known through the Neocatechumenal Way. I had the opportunity to witness a nearness with Him, finding out that I am never alone. I know that even in my biggest problems and weaknesses, someone has given his life for me.
What is one of your favorite scripture passages? Why?Acts 5:15 -- "that the sick were even taken out into the streets and laid on beds and sleeping-mats in the hope that at least the shadow of Peter might fall across some of them as he went past." This passage demonstrates my need to search for the "shadow of Peter," that is, the Church, where I can find the absolute truth and cure for my weaknesses.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?Although I am Brazilian, I like neither soccer nor carnival.
Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.Prayer for me is the biggest manifestation of the love of God for my life. He keeps a channel of communication, in which I can interact with Him and keep a relationship of profound intimacy and friendship. I also entrust my difficulties and crosses to Him, and in turn I receive peace and consolation.
What are some of you your favorite books, spiritual readings, magazines?Come, Let us Rise -- Pope John Paul II The Way to Hope -- Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan
Is seminary formation what you thought it would be? How has it been similar or different from your expectations?I knew a little of the schedule of the seminary. What I most expected, and today I can say that I have accomplished, is the priority given to prayer, and the continuity of the experience with the Eucharistic Christ, through the Eucharist and the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
What activities would you recommend in order to foster a culture of vocations?People have a very small ideological dimension of the vocation. I believe that the vocational culture goes hand in hand with the valorization of the youth. In order to do that we as Church should offer them support against the challenges that are in the world.
Did anyone invite you to consider priesthood? Please explain.No. As I have said before, the call happened in a retreat, where through the word of God I saw the manifestation of the love of God for me, and the necessity to give up my plans and seek discernment.
What were some of the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and His Church?Praying the rosary, daily, attending the celebrations of the Word and the Eucharist with my community, and some spiritual vocational retreats.
What signs led you to believe that God was calling you to be a priest?During the vocational discernment meetings, I was with the word of God very often, which was a fundamental sign. In a particular situation, I reflected on Lk 9:57-62. I saw that the Lord was clearly showing me the dimension of the call to the priesthood, and the renunciation necessary in order to announce the kingdom.
Please tell us, what are some of the most important parts of discernment?It is important to value the individual, to give credit to a person's difficulties and anxieties, so that in a personal way, this person can achieve a real encounter with the Father. It is also fundamental to have spiritual guidance.
Who influenced you/ inspired you to priesthood? Please explain.My pastor, Fr. Guillermo Gallo. Since I expressed to him the desire to start discerning my vocation to the priesthood, he was the one who mostly encouraged me, and guided me spiritually.
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation?I would say that God has a history of love to fulfill in this young man's life, but it is necessary to make an effort in order to make himself available to do the will of God. It is essential to experience...to approach God, and search for him in the silence, preparing the heart to give itself to for the sake of others, living the great mystery of Christ's love.
What is your day like in the seminary?I wake up at 6:30; at 7, we pray Morning Prayer, at 8 we have breakfast. Afterwards we go to school. At 12:00, I pray the Midday Prayer with other seminarians in school before lunch. After lunch, at 1:30pm, I have class. At 4, I come back to the seminary. Then we have Evening Prayer or Eucharist followed by dinner. After dinner we can study a little, do Night Prayer at 10, and b 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?The priest is called to serve the Church with its necessities, offering his life as a tool for evangelization. In this way, the priest is called to be wholeheartedly available and obedient to the word of God and to the teachings of Christ, through the Church, that makes itself present through (the person of) the Cardinal.
How does a priest best follow in the footsteps of the apostles?The apostolic journey is characterized by obedience, patience and perseverance. The priest is called to be a sign for the people, with example of humility, searching for sanctification through his schedule.
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