Age: 37
Home Parish: Our Lady Of Victory, Troy, NY
Seminary / Stage of Study: Blessed John 23rd Seminary, Weston , MA ; Third Year of Theology
Degree(s): Ph.D. (Acoustics), Chalmers University, Sweden ; M.S. (Acoustics), Penn State ; B.S. (Civil Eng.), UC Berkeley
Work Experience: Professor of Architectural Acoustics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI); acoustics consulting
Interests: Cello, Swimming and Soccer, Music, Reading, Friendships
Vocation Story: Even after wonderful romantic relationships, professional achievements, and financial security, I have never felt as peaceful as I do, preparing for priesthood. The keys to discernment were spiritual direction, daily Mass as often as possible, and, especially, an 8-day retreat with the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. I felt strong "spiritual consolation" when I considered life as a priest, and "desolation" otherwise. I also envisioned the best-case scenario for my worldly career and realized that even great "success" wouldn't fulfill my deepest desires. Instead, I found fulfillment in service projects like a benefit concert to build leper treatment centers in China, in Bible studies, and in prayer. Although I've lived in glamorous cities in California, Sweden, and Germany, the Diocese of Albany felt like home when I moved here: I experience God in the beautiful nature; I love the down-to-earth, welcoming people; and I feel at peace when I reflect upon serving the Albany Diocese. My peace became greatest after I began seminarian life, and I can feel the powerful grace from people's prayers for me. I'm now one year, God willing, from being ordained a "transitional" deacon in 2009 and two years from ordination to the priesthood in 2010, so I continue to prepare myself to be configured to Christ by this cosmic, eternal Sacrament of Holy Orders. If you have questions, feel free to write me at torres3(at)gmail.com.
