Rev. Br. Gerardo Oliva, S.T.
Rev. Br. Arturo Quezada & Rev. Br. Gerardo Oliva
Whether assisting the terminally ill, which he did as a student in his mission year, or setting up human development programs for adults, Br. Gerardo says, “What I find the most rewarding about my life is that I can be an instrument of hope, compassion, acceptance, tolerance, and love within my Community, as well as with the people I serve.”
Br. Gerardo’s desire to serve became more evident after attending a Vocations Retreat in 1986. He credits the Community’s Formation Director at that time, Fr. Francisco Gómez, and his passionate teaching of the congregation’s charism, in helping him decide to become a Missionary Brother. In 1990, he professed his final vows.
Rev. Br. Gerardo Oliva kneeling before the Bishop
For 26 years, his mission assignments have included helping to establish our parishes in Mexico, serving as an Assistant Formation Director, counseling couples, and providing social services at our former half -way house in Philadelphia and at the non-profit after school program for Latino youth, Identity, for five years.
Since graduating from the Community College of Philadelphia with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and completing his Master’s, Br. Gerardo’s journey is taking another turn! Once he completes his theology studies, he will be ordained a priest.
Of his life so far, Br. Gerardo says, “I feel I have been doing, all along, what God wants me to do.”
Rev. Br. D. Arturo Quezada, S.T.
Bishop Juan Manuel Mancilla with Deacons and members of the Community
After practicing law, in his hometown of Mexico City, for four years, Br. Arturo felt something was missing in his life. After meeting our priests through his parish MCF branch, Br. Arturo decided to take his life in another direction and join the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. That was eight years ago. “When I joined I wasn’t sure if religious life was for me,” says Br. Arturo “but I wanted to try. Today, I feel so blessed to touch and be touched by the people I live and work among every day.”
After completing his university studies, Br. Arturo found himself on his way to Tallahassee, Florida, and Bainbridge, Georgia. His pastoral work is mainly with Hispanic youth; as a deacon. Br. Arturo pays tribute to his parents for nurturing his desire to serve others, “My parents created a loving, nurturing home for my brother and they worked very hard to give us the opportunities we wanted; I am very grateful to them.”
Bishop Juan Manuel Mancilla with the newly professed Deacons
In anticipation of his ordination, Br. Arturo says, “I love being a religious, living my life this way has fulfilled my expectations. I will always try to do my best for God and for my Community.”
On January 26, 2013, Rev. Br. Gerardo Oliva, S.T., and Rev. Br. Arturo Quezada, S.T., will be ordained priests in Mexico.
