What is it like coming from a family where you are a priest and your father is a deacon?

It has been a blessing to know that my earthly father is a man who is also serving the Lord both through his call to marriage by being a great father and by serving the larger community as a deacon of the Lord. It’s amazing to be able to discuss faith elements and even down to homilies we will be preaching. Again, truly a blessing.

What are your hobbies or interests?

I would describe myself as a hobbyist. I enjoy building things, like woodworking, painting, fishing, gardening (even though I’m not good at it), and watching good wholesome movies. In general I like to know how things work and are built and generally try to replicate it.

Why did you become a priest? How did you know you were called to be a priest?

I felt the call to priesthood since childhood, but my desire for a wife and family superseded that in the beginning. After a very deep and wonderful encounter with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, I could not deny the call anymore and I gave it an opportunity. Hence, I left my studies at USF in Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering and began my process to enter seminary. On May 20th, 2017 I was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ and have served for 8 years thus far by the grace of God. This time solidified my desire to serve the Lord in the sacraments, in a particular way through bringing healing in the sacrament of confession, anointing do the sick and bring Christ in the Eucharist. I’m fulfilled in being able to bring Christ to all and to witness the power of Christ within us and through me in these supernatural ways.

Is there someone specific who had a big influence on your vocation?

There are definitely many influences in my life for the priesthood but two in particular come to mind. One is Padre Manuel when I lived as a child in Puerto Rico. In our small town of Castañer we had, for the first time in a while, a priest who was there full time. He not only visited our house periodically but also allowed me to serve early in age in order to train, and I remember he would go house to house in our town and invite people to Mass. He brought back to life a church that by the world’s standards was dead or almost there. A great example without a doubt. The other one is Fr. Fitzpatrick, one of the former pastors of our parish of St. Francis of Assisi. I remember the care he had for our community and desire to help it along with the youth. He also would strive to unite our communities, the Anglo community with the Hispanic community and he was a great example about building bridges rather than burning them. It was truly a blessing.

What has been your favorite part of being a priest?

One of my favorite parts of being a priest is being able to bring God’s healing through confession and the Eucharist. The face of joy and uplifted spirit of the person who carried the weight of sin and is then lifted up off of their shoulders is amazing. I could many times see the change even physically as their faces would change and some would even express a feeling of a weight off their shoulders. Truly amazing to witness to these miraculous moments.

Do you have a favorite Sacrament? Why is that your favorite?

As previously mentioned, confession and the Eucharist are my favorite. One for taking away sins and helping people in their journey towards sanctity, and the Eucharist because I have the gift to bring the true presence of Christ to His people. I’m still amazed at the fact that I’m able to be another Christ on the cross in those moments. Even though I don’t take on the heaviness of sin I am used as a tool for the Lord to bring His sacrifice to the people of God, and be privileged enough to hold Him in my hands consecrated to Him for His sacrifice in every mass.

Were you surprised to learn you would be the new Director of Vocations?

I was surprised and truly honored to be entrusted with this role. Even though a surprise at first, I did feel a peace in it all. I am grateful for the bishop’s trust in me and for this opportunity to help other young men discern the Lord’s call to the priesthood in their life. Hence, I ask for your prayers and support in this matter for our church is what helps to plant the seeds of God’s calling to all young men and women alike.

What are you most looking forward to as the new Director?

I’m most looking forward to help the men we have in formation to continue to both discern God’s call in their life and help them to grow in love and excitement for this fulfilling call.

What excites you about working with the seminarians and those discerning a call to priesthood?

I’m most excited to see their growth and spiritual awareness of God’s action in their life. In a particular way as they discern and at a certain point really just prepare for priesthood. It would be amazing to see these men be ordained and be called brother priests.

What is something that people may not know about you?

Something that people may not know about me is that I tend to be more introverted and that preaching was something I greatly feared, but the Lord has provided much in this area and still continues to do so.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with those reading this article?

I would like to firstly thank you all for your prayers for myself, for the seminarians and for my brother priests. I would ask for prayers for our seminarians as they discern God’s call to the priesthood. That they may accept His call without fear and dive into the mystery of this vocation. I also ask for your continual prayers for myself and my brother priests. 

Our priests do work really hard and in a world that has increasingly become hostile towards the faith and in particular the priesthood, your prayers and support are greatly needed. Any show of appreciation for their giving of their lives for the Lord helps a great deal. Pray for our Bishop, for being our head shepherd and father, there is a great deal put on his shoulders and prayers are extremely helpful. 

Lastly, I would say, please be open to the vocation to the religious life in your families. One of the biggest deferents to young men and women entering the seminary or religious life is the lack of support from families. I could easily say that the lack of support has been one of the major factors in men not following through with God’s call. Most people don’t realize that this vocation is one of the most fulfilling and if God has called you to it you will find true happiness in it. Thus, please teach your children that this is an option and if they feel called, help in supporting them. 

I count on all your prayers and may the Lord bless you all.