Father Pedro Saveia SVD, one of seven men ordained on Saturday, sees parallels between the seasons of the Church and the seasons of life.

Father Pedro Saveia SVD carries the quiet but steady conviction that his life is meant to be given in service to God and to others.

As he prepared for ordination to the priesthood, his journey reflected not only years of study and ministry across continents but a deep, personal desire to grow in faith and share that faith with the world.

Born into a large family in Angola, he is the sixth of seven siblings. Father Saveia’s earliest formation came from home—especially from his mother, whom he described as “a very big figure” in his life.

Widowed when Father Saveia was only three years old, she became both mother and father to her children, creating a home marked by peace, openness and love. Father Saveia spoke of her with admiration.

She is a woman who dedicated herself fully to her children, sharing everything she had, he said. Even now, her simple words, “If you are fine, I’m fine too,” continue to anchor him as he serves far from home.

Although his mother attended the Catholic Church, Father Saveia was baptized around age 11 after several years in catechism. He said his baptism was a “wonderful experience,” one that opened the door to a vibrant community of faith.

As a child, he was drawn not only to the teachings of the Church but also to the people, particularly the missionaries who served as catechists near his home. Their kindness, respect and dedication stirred something in him, he said.

“I wanted to be like them,” he recalled.

That early admiration slowly matured into a vocation. Father Saveia became an altar server and later a youth minister, deepening his understanding of Scripture and the life of the Church.

His path eventually led him to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), where he formally began his formation in 2010. He completed his philosophy studies in Angola, and seeing his potential, his superiors sent him to study in the United States.

Arriving in 2017 with only a few words of English, Father Saveia faced challenges that could have discouraged him. Instead, they became opportunities for growth.

He completed his cross-cultural training at St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Quincy, Florida, and later his theological studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

During the past nine years, he has developed into an intercultural minister, celebrating liturgies in Portuguese, Spanish and English.

His pastoral experience in Quincy, where he served a richly diverse community of Latino and African parishioners, deepened his love for ministry.

“I feel at home doing ministry with Latinos,” he said, reflecting his natural warmth and desire for connection. Whether through learning Spanish on Zoom or intentionally studying with professors from different cultural backgrounds, Father Saveia seeks to build bridges.

Looking ahead to his first assignment at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in San Diego, he said he goes with excitement and humility.

In addition to serving the local parish, he will minister to the Brazilian community, celebrating Mass and accompanying them in faith.

For Father Saveia, this is not simply a role, it is a continuation of his calling to learn, share and grow in Christ alongside others.

Father Saveia spoke of the seasons of the Church—Advent, Christmas and Lent—as mirrors of human experience.

Each season, like each stage of life, carries its own lessons, he said.

This awareness shaped his spirituality. He understands that serving God does not mean avoiding challenges but embracing them as part of a larger journey.

“Life is not always the same,” he said. “Each season teaches me something.”

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