Once-aspiring NASA engineer aims heavenward

Father Xavy Castro is chaplain of Legatus’ Tampa Bay Chapter and was honored as the 2022 Chaplain of the Year at February’s Summit 2023 in Orlando, FL. He is originally from Puerto Rico, moved to the U.S. as a boy, and grew up in Tampa, FL. He entered seminary in 2009, and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2017. He has served as a parish priest, high school chaplain, and chaplain for the Scouts. He is currently parochial vicar at St. Lawrence Church in Tampa.

Tell me about your background.

As a small boy, I grew up on a family farm in the mountain areas of Puerto Rico. I was the oldest of four children; I have three younger sisters. We grew coffee beans, which is probably why I love coffee today!

We moved to Connecticut when I was 9, and then to Tampa, which became home for me. My mother worked for a hospital, and my father was a businessman who later worked for the U.S. Postal Service.

Did your family practice the faith?

Not in the beginning. My parents were married in the Church but did not become active in their faith until issues arose in their marriage. They were headed for a divorce but went on retreat and decided to make a change in their lives. I’m grateful for their decision, which brought much peace to our family, and affirmed for us the need of making God the center of our lives.

My parents have since started a support group for couples and continue to offer support for couples to this day.

Why did you enter the seminary?

I felt a call to the priesthood as a little kid and would “play” Mass at home with my sister as an altar server. When I discovered that priests do not marry, I put aside the call for a time. I studied aeronautical engineering in college, as I wanted to be an engineer, fly planes, and work for NASA. I even applied for an internship with NASA, but while waiting for a response, I went on retreat. It changed my life. I went on retreat looking to take a rest, and I came out with the Lord calling me to the priesthood. I am in awe of how it happened.

I was accepted for the internship with NASA, but I decided to go to seminary instead. I was there for eight years, then I was ordained a priest.

What do you like best about the priesthood?

I like celebrating the sacraments and bringing Jesus’ forgiveness and mercy to the people, through Confession particularly, but also through participation in the Eucharist. Celebrating the Sacrament of the Altar is a unique privilege and extremely special to me. Also, as a priest, I can offer the faithful guidance that can help them save their souls, which is wonderful.

What are the greatest challenges?

The vocation to the priesthood is a total commitment that is very sacrificial. I need to recognize that I can only do so much; I am not God. I just need to allow the Lord to work through me, and trust in His grace.

Have you had any surprises?

In my first assignment, I ministered at a jail that was within our boundaries. I was surprised to learn how the Lord can bring people back to Himself that you would never expect, and that these people can be amazing witnesses of the faith.
 
What advice do you like to offer Legatus members?
Be not afraid. We are told this 365 times in the Bible, and we all need to be reminded of it. We also need to ask the Holy Spirit for that grace to live out our vocations as the Lord is calling us to do. I encourage our members to use their gifts for the greater good.