On Aug. 4, four men professed vows with the Society of the Divine Word. Provincial Father Quang Duc Dinh SVD presided at the ceremony in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Techny. The newly professed members join more than 6,000 priests, brothers, seminarians and brother candidates who serve the spiritual and humanitarian needs of people in 84 countries. We invite you to meet our newest members.

Name: Martin Herrera

Age: 36

Birthplace: Chicago

Hometown: Chicago

Languages: Spanish
                    English

Ministry track: Priesthood

Ministry during novitiate: Tutoring economically disenfranchised students at the Life Learning Center, founded by the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters

Favorite book: The Harry Potter series

When did you first feel the call to be a missionary?

For me, it was not a direct call. I say I always fight with Jesus; I talk to him, and he doesn’t talk to me. A Dominican brother once told me that life is like going down a road with fog. A vocations director from the Society of the Divine Word had been in contact with me, but I wasn’t ready. I’m willing, but it kind of dragged me into it. I’ve learned to let go of my will.

I worked for Office Depot for 12 years. When Office Depot merged with Office Max, I lost my job. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I had been asking for a sign. I had my own apartment, dog, car, and I was helping at church. That [losing my job] was the sign that I was looking for.

Tell me about a time when you felt God’s presence:

Some people have experiences in which they feel struck by God’s presence, but that’s not me. I believe God is in the small moments, in the people I meet. That’s where God has spoken to me and did things for me without my asking. Little moments when you meet people and they change your life.