By Jake Evitts, Special to The Message
Home parish: Holy Redeemer Parish, Evansville
Education: Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary, Indianapolis; Class of 2032
Saint: Juan Diego
Hope in North America
St. Juan Diego was born in 1474 in present-day Mexico City, Mexico. Most of Juan Diego’s life is unknown prior to his conversion and baptism when he was 50 years old. St. Juan Diego is most known for receiving a vision from the Blessed Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill, where she asked him to ask the local bishop to build a shrine in the name of Mary on the hill, and as proof of her appearance to Juan Diego, impressed her image on his tilma when he met with the local Bishop.
St. Juan Diego’s life gives me hope in life because he is a great example of how a simple yes and obedience to God can change your life forever. This has given such hope in my vocational discernment because it has shown me how fulfilling life can be when you say yes to God’s vocational call. St. Juan Diego has also given me hope in my priestly discernment because he is a great example of how obedience to God’s call can result in great things.
St. Juan Diego is an incredible example of hope for all people because he shows us that no matter how old we are, our societal status, or previous background, God still has a plan for all of us. St Juan Diego is also a model of hope because he shows that all it takes is one person to have faith to spark an interest in others and eventually even an entire nation.