My name is Miguel Perez. I was born in Conroe, Texas, to Mexican parents and was the younger of two children. I was raised in a culturally Catholic family and never really had an interest in learning more about my faith. As a teenager, all of my attention was on sports, video games, and more sports. I became a fanatic of sports, both playing them and watching them. At the age of 18, I became a student of Texas A&M University and pursued a degree in Engineering. School became stressful and my solution became to seek the “comforts” that the world had to offer.
That eventually led to depression, solitude, and insecurity. However, after one year of university I went to my first Life in the Spirit retreat hosted by a local parish. I had a very powerful experience with the Holy Spirit and the Lord’s mercy and love became known to me. Christ simply wanted to be part of my life and needed my permission to do so.
After four and a half years of university, I graduated with a degree in Industrial Distribution Engineering but I didn’t know what was next. It was certainly appealing to work for an engineering firm but it wasn’t something that I was passionate about. Something inside me was missing.
Before graduating I went on a vocations retreat from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston thinking that I’d just go to get away from all the stress and have a nice weekend to spend with God. Little did I know that the Lord would say, “Come, follow me” during the retreat. I was very shocked but at the same time I was really peaceful and felt a strong confirmation that the Lord was calling me for something greater. At first, I hesitated because I didn’t think I’d have the capacity to be pursue the priesthood. Then I came across one of Blessed John Paul II’s famous quotes: “Do not be afraid, God will never send you where his grace cannot sustain you”.
Soon after that I began discerning my vocation and became really involved at St. Mary’s Catholic Student Center in College Station, TX. I also worked in Pro-Life ministry while pursuing confirmation from the Lord. I would often say to the Lord: “Lord if this is your will for me, please bring peace and joy to my heart”. The Lord started answering my prayers. After having visited the Catholic Charismatic Center in Houston and visiting different religious communities, I sensed the most fulfillment with the Companions of the Cross community. What drew me more and more near to this community was that it is led and empowered by the Holy Spirit while being men of the Eucharist, truly devoted to Mary and loyal to the Magisterium. I am really excited to continue my journey through fellowship with my brothers and growing in spiritually. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11
What kind of ministry are you doing now?
I am currently serving as the associate-pastor of Queen of Peace parish in Houston, TX.
