National Vocation Awareness Week (Nov. 6-12) is a time to celebrate the many who have devoted their lives to Jesus Christ in the priesthood, diaconate, or the consecrated life, and to encourage others to consider the same calling. The chaplains at Campus Ministry live their vocations every day by celebrating Masses, hearing confessions, meeting with students, and building the University community in the life of Christ. They took a little time out of their busy schedules to share some spiritual insights and a few little-known-facts about themselves. Stop by Campus Ministry to get to know them better and thank them for their dedicated service!
Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., University chaplain and director of Campus Ministry from Carencro, La. (just north of Lafayette), says his favorite part about being a Dominican is the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the Order.
What’s the most important thing you brought with you from your last assignment?
Caring for the spiritual life of a community, as a superior.
Who is your favorite saint besides the patron saint of your order?
Twenty years into my priesthood, I’m developing a new appreciation for and a devotion to St. Paul and what he witnesses for Christian life, in terms of conversion, the primacy of grace, and the importance of preaching.
If you had to watch a movie on repeat, what would it be?
“Groundhog Day”
What’s a surprising fun fact campus might not know about you?
I’ve been in the presence of the past three popes.
Learn more about Fr. Frassati Davis, O.P., who considers Chattanooga, Tenn., home and makes really good homemade ice cream.
What’s the most important thing you brought with you from your last assignment?
A sense of confidence that only comes from seeing things go wrong that are outside my control. Being able to deliberate what's in our control and what isn’t actually helps us to see how the Lord is working in that moment.
What order do you belong to and what is your favorite thing about that order?
The Dominican Order. My favorite thing about the Order is being able to elevate friendship and conversation by seeing how Christ enters into our interactions with others. And that’s the work of holy preaching.
If you had to watch a movie on repeat, what would it be?
“The Emperor's New Groove”
What’s a surprising fun fact campus might not know about you?
In college, I used to hang out in elevators and sing improvised personalized greetings to anyone who walked in, because I have a background in vocal jazz composition. Also, I have a lot of opinions about pupusas.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Penn., Fr. Joseph Martin Hagan, O.P., is a dedicated tea drinker - especially Berry’s Gold Blend Irish Breakfast. He’s the youngest of five kids, just like St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who is one of his favorite saints.
What’s your favorite part of serving the University community?
I’ve been really impressed with the students, they’ve welcomed us really well. When you walk into the Pryz during the lunch rush and you recognize 50 people in like five minutes, that’s exciting.
If you had to watch a movie on repeat, what would it be?
“The Lord of the Rings,” though the books are better.
What’s a surprising fun fact campus might not know about you?
I’m a drummer in the Hillbilly Thomists. We played at the Grand Ole Opry this past August and were the opening act for a Nashville country star.
Favorite class in college?
This may be terribly specific, but an early morning music class on 16th century counterpoint. We learned how to compose music in the style of Palestrina and Victoria.
Fr. Teo Brea is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and loves backpacking and playing sports, especially tennis and soccer.
What order do you belong to and what is your favorite thing about that order?
Saint John Society. I love its clear identity: It is dedicated 100% to the New Evangelization.
What’s the most important thing you brought with you from your last assignment?
A conviction that Jesus is alive, that there is power is his name, and that there is no heart he cannot transform.
If you had to watch a movie on repeat, what would it be?
“Gladiator”
What’s a surprising fun fact campus might not know about you?
I was confirmed by Pope Francis (at the time Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio)
Originally from Albany, New York, Fr. Hugh Vincent Dyer, O.P., cherishes the Dominican work of preaching the love of God and finds joy in gardening.
What’s your favorite part of serving the University community?
The community! I love meeting new people, having conversations with them and praying with them. I also find the campus beautiful. I lived in Manhattan before but now I can see trees every day.
Who is your favorite saint besides the patron saint of your order, as that’s a given?
St. Vincent de Paul, because of his love of serving those in need and of bringing people to the Eucharist.
If you had to watch a movie on repeat, what would it be?
“You Can’t Take It with You”
Any hobbies? Or surprising skill sets?
I love to garden, especially things you can eat. Back at (my dad’s house) there’s an alleyway that’s kind of a neglected space. But there was a green space and I planted like 150 tulip bulbs. They were beautiful. The beauty of a garden can help people to rest.
