Witnesses of the Faith | October 2024

Arriving in San Diego
Testimony from Fr. Ignatius Paz

Hello dear friends of Miles Christi!

Let me introduce myself: I am Fr. Ignatius Paz, a priest of Miles Christi. I was ordained a priest at the end of 2022 in Rome, after completing my final theological studies in the Eternal City.

After spending a few months in Argentina, my home country, taking my first steps as a priest, I was assigned to our community in San Diego. At the end of May 2023, I arrived for the first time in the United States of America.

Arriving at our community in San Diego was very exciting, but it also came along with challenges as you can imagine. Speaking a new language, exercising my ministry in another culture, and learning how to be a priest!

These were months of great changes in my religious life. In just under six months, I lived and exercised the priesthood in three different countries, three different cultures, and three different languages. I learned to celebrate Mass in each of them!

The beautiful thing about our religious life in Miles Christi is that when we are assigned to a new destination, a new religious community to carry out our apostolic work, we get to share our lives with other Fathers and Brothers of our Order. It’s very easy to feel comfortable and at home!

One of the first things that surprised me the most about the United States is the vastness and greatness of everything (from nature to buildings). A magnanimous spirit which, for spiritual life, can be a key and fundamental element.

At the same time, I was pleasantly surprised that so many Catholics truly seek to live their faith in a committed and serious way.

As you know, one of the main apostolates of Miles Christi is the preaching of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. In just over a year here, I have already had the opportunity to preach retreats in different parts of the country. It’s incredible to see how this gift St. Ignatius left us over 500 years ago continues to benefit souls in various parts of the world!

As a new priest, I am still learning how to carry out my ministry well and in a holy way. Every passing day, I am continually amazed at the greatness of this vocation. Nothing compares to witnessing how God works in souls! Sometimes a word in confession, listening attentively in Spiritual Direction, or offering advice is enough for God to do great things.

In addition to helping with Spiritual Exercises, I work as a chaplain at a school (ranging from TK to 12th grade) with over 1,500 students, where I accompany children of very diverse ages spiritually. I also work with college students, especially by offering them spiritual direction. It’s beautiful to help the youth find God, as they are both the present and the future!

During my time in America, I’ve had the grace to fully live the priestly life: baptisms, first communions, hours and hours of confessions, blessings, Masses, weddings, anointing of the sick, and funerals. There’s hardly anything left on my bucket list!

I can’t be anything but deeply grateful to God for the immense gift of my priesthood in Miles Christi.

I remember thinking during my years as a seminarian: if the Lord granted me just the chance to celebrate one Mass and hear one confession, it would be enough. And, as always, He gives so much more!

There’s no doubt that my “American experience” is very rich. I am very happy to exercise my priesthood here and help souls reach Heaven. I know I will remember my first steps as a priest on American soil for the rest of my life.

I ask that you continue praying for each of us, so that we may remain faithful and holy priests until the end. God bless you all!