Ruben Castañeda

Configuration Stage

Seminary: Pontifical North American College (Rome)
Formation Stage: Configuration (2nd Theology)
Birthday: May 15
Home Parish: St. Vincent de Paul, Tallassee
Favorite Saint: St. Padre Pio Pietrecina
Favorite Spiritual Reading: The Holy Bible
Favorite Activities: Playing the guitar, chess and soccer, drawing, fishing and hiking.
Vocation Story: My name is Ruben Castañeda, and I am from Tallassee, Alabama, Saint Vincent de Paul Parish. I am originally from Guatemala and the second youngest of nine siblings, with five sisters and three brothers. Growing up, I always knew about God, but it wasn’t until my junior year of high school in 2018 that my love for serving the Church truly deepened. That year marked a turning point: I began serving as an altar server, singing in the Spanish choir, and participating in various retreats. Through Church services, I came to acknowledge that God was calling me to something bigger, i.e., the priesthood. Now, it has been five years since God has called me to this adventure of faith. One of my greatest inspirations is Saint Padre Pio, a holy, humble, and prayerful man whose example I strive to follow. My favorite spiritual reading is the Holy Bible, which remains my daily source of encouragement and strength. Please keep us in your prayers, that we may become holy shepherds for the people of God.