Renewal in Faith

On 27 November, our seminary college had the pleasure of welcoming Don Javier del Castillo. Don Javier has served in many cities across the United States, especially as a chaplain in high schools in Washington D.C. and Chicago. Over the years, he has taken on important responsibilities within Opus Dei, becoming regional vicar for the United States and Canada in 2024, and later, in April 2025, the Vicar General of the Prelature.

During his visit, Don Javier shared with us a current and hopeful picture of the Catholic Church in North America. He spoke of what he called an “unexpected Eucharistic spring,” marked by a renewed interest in faith even in very secular places like New York City. He described how young families are returning to the Church and how public expressions of belief—such as a Eucharistic procession reaching Times Square—are becoming more visible.

Don Javier also recounted several powerful stories of conversion. Many of these came from people who rediscovered the faith through serious intellectual reflection and an encounter with the beauty of Catholic teaching. One striking example was a digital-industry professional who, moved by the question of the Eucharistic “presence,” began studying texts by Ratzinger and Newman. This journey eventually led him and his family to embrace the Catholic faith. Don Javier noted that adult baptisms are increasing, with New York recording some of its highest numbers in recent years.

Finally, he reminded us that these experiences show how strong the human desire for God remains today. His testimony encouraged us to prepare ourselves well to become well-formed, holy, and knowledgeable priests who can guide and accompany those who sincerely search for the truth within the Church.