BROTHERS
What first drew you
to religious life?
First, the idea of religious life was
so different from anything I had
known: living together, working
together, praying together. Second,
the values were right in line with
what I grew up with. My family went
to Pentecostal churches, and they
were strong supporters of Catholic
education, sending me to Catholic
schools. In high school I began to
feel really attracted to Catholicism,
and I entered RCIA (Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults) in college. My
family supported me fully, saying,
“The Holy Spirit works in many ways;
we can’t get in the way!”
What’s the most fun
you’ve ever had with your
community?
We spend a lot of time together,
which can make for fun when we
tease one another. One evening
we spent a solid hour listing each
other’s “most said phrases,” and
some impressions were spot on!
Your favorite way to pray?
The Psalms speak to me about
everything. I like to use one and find
a song that can go with it. Then some
silence, a time to thank God, and tell
God what’s on my mind.
What saint do you most
admire?
Hildegard of Bingen is probably my
favorite; she was not afraid to start
new things and stand up to power!
What is your current
ministry?
At the moment I work with several
student groups at Marist College
in Poughkeepsie, New York. Our
novitiate is on that campus. Part of
my ministry is direct involvement with
students through Campus Ministries
and being present around campus.
What do you enjoy
most about your work?
Being present as a listener and
facilitator. It’s an honor to be let into
the life of any person, and I learn
from the students here.
Moved
by the
Spirit
BROTHER LUIS
RAMOS, F.M.S.
Bronx native Brother Luis Ramos, F.M.S. still remembers how
different the brothers who ran his high school seemed when he
first met them. From their unusual clothing to their atypical life
of community, prayer, and ministry—brothers caught, and held,
his attention. Today Ramos is preparing for full membership with
the Marist Brothers. He works with various student groups at
Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and has ministered
among migrant workers, youth, and young adults.
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