Name: Miguel Toribio Romo Romo SVD
Age: 27
Hometown: Jalostotitlán, Jalisco, Mexico
Languages: Spanish & English
Ministry during novitiate: Holy Spirit Learning Center, where I worked with children of immigrants in an after-school program.
Favorite book: “Set All Afire” by Louis de Wohl
Tell us about a time when you felt God’s presence:
I’ve been blessed by God because He has let me experience Him many times. A particular one that comes to mind is during the 30-day retreat—while I was praying with the Gospel of John 20. In the story, Mary Magdalene is crying because she can’t find her Lord, and eventually Jesus presents himself to her and calls her by name. When I was reading this beautiful biblical passage, I experienced the presence of God in ways that words cannot describe. It is an experience that I cherish a lot.
When did you first feel the call to be a missionary?
The first time I thought of being a missionary was at my uncle’s ordination; it came from the idea of gathering people from around the globe regardless of their language, convictions or appearance to celebrate with the Church for a new minister. I felt the desire to be part of this joy and unity, to encounter other ways of thinking and other cultures, and to learn from them other ways to communicate with God.
How has living with the SVD brothers and priests at Techny inspired you?
Living in a community as big as this one has been an enriching experience. I’m certain that the best way to learn about the Society of the Divine Word is through its members, specifically through the wisdom of the Techny community members. I got to meet confreres that had done all kinds of ministries—from administration to parish ministry, formation, education, etc. Their exemplary lives are the best inspiration to desire to belong to the Society of the Divine Word. I learned that every single one of their ministries is a way to find God in our lives.
What was the biggest challenge during this past year?
To adjust to a more passive life compared with the active student life I used to have.
What are your hopes for the coming year?
To grow in my relationship with God and to learn more about Him and what He wants me to do through continuous discernment.