From our largest to smallest events there were men and women who had a sincere desire to know Jesus Christ. They desired to follow Him and to pray for those who are being called to priesthood or religious life. During my tenure, I’ve seen many men attend discernment events, apply for seminary, and take steps to discern their calling to priesthood within seminary formation. As a diocese, we have also been blessed with the addition of Sister Sherly Vazhappilly, who has been incredible at increasing the opportunities for the women of our diocese to discern religious life and consecrated virginity.

I have often shared with our seminarians that the roles the Lord places us in are also how He is sanctifying and perfecting us. Over the years there have been experiences, conversations, and responsibilities that have allowed me to recognize my own poverty and the role of the Lord’s grace and providence in my life. Thankfully, I’ve experienced the Lord’s faithfulness and know He is never outdone in generosity. 

I’ve also become convinced that the most effective tool for the promotion and increase of vocations is prayer. It’s no coincidence that 2024, the year of the National Eucharistic Congress, along with our diocesan 40 Hours Devotion for Vocations, is also yielding the largest number of seminary applicants in my six years. As I write this article, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg has 23 seminarians, and that number is projected to increase by the time this article is published. It has been an honor to journey with these men through their vocational discernment prior to seminary and as they’ve given themselves to priestly discernment as seminarians. 

As these young men embark on their seminary studies for the 2025/2026 academic year, we have much to be proud of. They are men who have a deep love for Jesus in the Eucharist, in the poor, and in the Church. They also have a deep and growing devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary and a willingness to heed her words to “do whatever He tells you.” 

This fall, everyone in our diocese will have the chance to follow our seminarians’ journey on social media as they take over the diocesan account, “Walking in His Light.” Launched in January 2024, this account followed Father Christian Galvan, who was ordained as a priest for our diocese in May 2023. 

Since his ordination, Father Galvan has served the parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary, in Land O’Lakes, sharing his experiences of all the firsts of a new priest with followers. 

Now, it’s time for Father Galvan to pass the torch of this social media ministry to the seminarians. I encourage everyone to follow the page for an authentic inside look at the life of a seminarian. Our hope is that others will be inspired to follow Christ, to say yes to His will, and to consider discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. 

As I prepare to do my own passing of the torch, I can’t begin to describe how joyful I am for Father Elixavier Castro, or “Father Xavy,” as most people call him. He will be continuing the work of vocations for Bishop Parkes and our diocese. Our bishop has once again demonstrated his commitment to prioritizing Spanish-speaking vocations by appointing another bi-lingual vocations director. He will be entrusted with the future priesthood of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, and I am confident the Lord will accomplish great things through him. 

Please pray fervently for Father Xavy as he enters this noble role and for all our seminarians as they continue their studies and discernment to the priesthood in this new school year.  

Meet the New Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg

Father Elixavier, or “Father Xavy,” as most people call him, loves to play sports, watch movies or TV shows, and travel, which usually includes some type of hiking. 

Father Xavy is one of four children born to Deacon Élix A. and Luz D. Castro. He was born in Puerto Rico but has lived most of his life in the Tampa Bay area, where he attended school. He graduated from East Bay High School and attended the University of South Florida for two years, after which he answered the call to the priesthood, becoming a seminarian for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

He was the first priest ordained by Bishop Parkes as Bishop of Saint Petersburg on May 21, 2017. Father Xavy served as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Rosary, Land O’Lakes, from 2017-2020 and served as Campus Chaplain of Tampa Catholic High School (2020-2022). His most recent appointment was at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa, as Parochial Vicar in December 2022, and he served as Chaplain of Catholic Scouting for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and for Legatus Tampa Bay, Inc. He now serves as the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.