On Aug. 4, four men professed vows with the Society of the Divine Word. Provincial Father Quang Duc Dinh SVD presided at the ceremony in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Techny. The newly professed members join more than 6,000 priests, brothers, seminarians and brother candidates who serve the spiritual and humanitarian needs of people in 84 countries. We invite you to meet our newest members.

Name: Christian Castro

Age: 25

Birthplace: Morelia, Mexico

Hometown: San Diego, Calif.

Languages: English
                    Spanish

Ministry track: Priesthood

Ministry during novitiate: Tutoring economically disenfranchised students at the Life Learning Center, founded by the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters

Favorite book(s): “The Imitation of Christ” by Thomas à Kempis
                              “The Wounded Healer” by Henri Nouwen
                               The works of Thomas Merton

When did you first feel the call to be a missionary?

I first felt the calling when talking with my pastor in San Diego. I want to go wherever the Gospel has not been preached and to be with the people. Missionaries are open to anything. That inspired me because I come from a very poor family. I was the first to go to college. I want to serve my own people and work with the poor and oppressed.

Tell me about a time when you felt God’s presence:

There have been so many times. For instance, recently in a paddle boat in a lake, someone from the community tried to teach me how to direct the rudder, but I couldn’t control it. My brain was not clicking. We went in a circle for ten minutes. My companion was patient. The person was not judgmental but rather calm and relaxed and laughed with me.

God’s presence was in the other person’s attitude. We can be an instrument of God to others—an invitation to walk with others. It was very touching. People will forget what you say and what you do, but they will not forget how you make them feel.