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Father Genaro Aguilar
Position:
Counselor and Teacher
Location:
Stonehill College, North Easton, Massachusetts
Date of Birth: 1953
As
a teacher and counselor, Father Genaro P. Aguilar looks
forward to his fifth birthday and his future endeavors with
the Congregation of Holy Cross.
| "The
diversity of students, as well as the diversity of student
issues, electrified my work and I was daily energized by
the challenges of life in a major city. All my experiences
have been filled with wonder and the ever-present face of
God. It is the face of God that presents itself to me in
students, parishioners, colleagues, friends, and family." |
Here
is his story . . .
Reaching the age of 50 has caused me to reflect on my life and
the wonder-filled experiences that have come to me through my
commitment to the Congregation of Holy Cross and the
congregation’s commitment to me.
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, I came to the congregation
after studying theology at the University of Notre Dame. After
my graduation in 1977, I was faced with several years in
regency, continuing my formation and preparing for final vows
and ordination. This preparation took me to Bennington,
Vermont, where I was a novitiate, Bridgeport, Connecticut,
where I was a teacher at Notre Dame High School, and Saco,
Maine, where I served as a deacon at Most Holy Trinity. After
my ordination in 1983, I returned to teach at Holy Cross in
Waterbury and Immaculate High School in Danbury.
Feeling Called to Do More
While teaching had been an incredible experience, I felt
called to offer my students something more. Heeding this call,
I attended Boston College School of Social Work and after
graduation in 1989, I remained in Boston for several years
providing community mental health services to Boston Public
School.
Most of my work in Boston Public School was done completely in
Spanish. And, while in this ministry, neither the students nor
the faculty knew that I was a religious. I am completely
convinced that this lack of information on their part
liberated me to experience ministry on a totally different
level.
In 1995, I moved to Coyle/Cassidy High School in Taunton,
Massachusetts, where I worked in the school’s guidance
program. This school continues to recognize the enormous
contribution the Holy Cross Brothers have made to the Taunton
area and to their institution.
Today, I work in Stonehill College’s Counseling and Testing
Center. I have been here for four years, enjoying my
interaction with students, faculty and staff, while also
enjoying my work within a Holy Cross setting.
Vocation Is a Gift from God
The
face of God—a face that sustains, nurtures, and challenges
me--continues to be ever present in the variety of ministries
in which I serve. For that I will be forever grateful. I
also give thanks to God for my vocation in the Congregation of
Holy Cross and I give thanks for everything the Congregation
has offered me. Turning 50 may be a source of stress, but as
a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, I look forward to
what lies ahead.
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