Mater Dei has welcomed a new Chaplain on campus, Father Aaron Galvizo, who has been appointed by Bishop Kevin W. Vann from the Diocese of Orange. His appointment reflects both his background in ministry and his strong commitment to guiding young people in their Catholic faith.

For Galvizo being a chaplain allows him to live out the charism of his religious order, Alagad ni Maria (Disciples of Mary). The order is centered on the idea of supporting and guiding youth.

“One of the reasons for consideration that I work here as a chaplain is because the charism of our religious order is towards the youth,” Galvizo said. 

After a semester here at Mater Dei, Galvizo has experienced firsthand the kind of welcome Monarchs offer and has enjoyed the time spent on campus.

“It’s been an amazing journey,” Galvizo said. “The community at Mater Dei is very warm and welcoming. Everybody [has] been very friendly and kind, which is [something] you don’t get to see [often] in a school or work environment.” 

Galvizo’s path to becoming the priest was not one he always planned to take. After a difficult senior year of high school, Galvizo made a vow to become a priest if he somehow graduated.

“Initially, I didn’t really want to become a priest,” Galvizo said. “My senior year in high school was a difficult time for me. During that time, I was ditching classes, [struggling with] my [classes], and then I was invited by a priest to attend a search in a vocational seminar workshop. During that retreat, I made a covenant with God. I told him that I am almost certain that I will repeat my senior year. But, if by some miracle I graduate, I will enter the seminary. I learned never to challenge God, because I graduated. I held my end of the bargain, but after entering seminary, I still went through a lot of purification because the [initial] intention wasn’t pure.” 

In 2017, Galzivo was ordained a priest after 10 years of purification, a cleansing for holiness before serving God, and four years of firm dedication to the priesthood.

“After a few more purifications in and out of the seminary, I left seminary formation,” Galvizo said. “While I was working as a campus minister, I had the full conviction to become a priest, no matter when or where or how, but I intended to be a priest. Three [or] four years after I made that firm declaration, I did become a priest in 2017.” 

Executive Director of Campus Ministry Helen Steves appreciates the kind of attitude Galvizo has brought to the Mater Dei community and the joy he shares with everyone.

“Father Aaron brings new and exciting gifts to Mater Dei,” Steves said. “He celebrates Mass so beautifully, and he is so genuinely happy to be here [and] I love how he responds to the young people.”

Galvizo has many interests, but one that has always stayed with him is his love of music, singing, and instruments.

“[My interests] vary because I go [through] different phases,” Galvizo said. “But one thing that has remained constant throughout the years is my love for music. Sometimes I [play] rhythm, guitar, keyboards, or percussion, but mostly I sing.”

In addition to music, Galvizo also has a strong interest in travel, especially the opportunity to experience different cultures around the world. 

“I love to travel,” Galvizo said. “I travel often, and I enjoy experiencing different cultures, including food and exploring new places.”

Galvizo is here to guide students through their faith journey and to advise all students at Mater Dei. He aims to share something that will help them now and for the rest of their lives. 

“Young people can go through a series of highs and lows, ups and downs, and in those moments, I would like to invite everyone to acknowledge the presence of God,” Galvizo said. “Even if we think we are at rock bottom, let us acknowledge the goodness and the wisdom of God, because it is there. Just never let go of God. Because if we leave a space in our hearts, a space that is only reserved for God, we will come to see, realize, and understand the wisdom of God.”