Ruben Castañeda

School: Pontifical North American College (Rome)
Year: Configuration Stage (1st Theology)
Birthday: May 15^th
Hometown: Tallassee, AL 
Favorite Saint: St. Padre Pio Pietrecina
Favorite Spiritual Reading: Holy Bible
Hobbies: Guitar, soccer, singing, drawing, explore new experiences, travel historical places

My name is Ruben Castañeda l am from Tallassee, Alabama, in Saint Vincent de Paul Parish. Originally from Guatemala and l am the second youngest of nine siblings, with five sisters and three brothers. I graduated with honors in Tallassee High School in 2019, l played soccer for four years and competed arts competitions. In my Parish services, l served as an altar server and for the choir in Spanish services. l grew up knowing about God and l always was really active in my faith. Participating in God’s services such as; Masses, retreats, etc. God’s calling to discern the priesthood was really strong divine call, all l felt was peace that fulfills me. One of my favorite Saint is Padre Pío Pietrecina. I really admire him because he was really a chaste man that prays, l hope and l pray to follow his example. One of my greatest spiritual reading is the Holy Bible and the biographies and works of the saints.