About the Salesians / Rafael Vargas

My name is Rafael Vargas and I was born on July 19, 1992 in Paterson, NJ. Since that time my parents have raised me in the Catholic faith. In middle school I became an altar server at my local parish and still continue to serve whenever possible. During the time since I became an altar server I began to grow in my faith and learn more about the Liturgies.

Rafael Vargas

Through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians I was blessed with the opportunity of attending Don Bosco Prep, a nearby catholic school. This is where I was introduced to the Salesians of Don Bosco and immediately became immersed in the Salesian spirit. I became part of the running team at my school, which taught me discipline and self-sacrifice, as well as leadership qualities. The school’s atmosphere created a wonderful place for me to develop in many aspects of my life.

Throughout the four years at Bosco I developed myself into an incredible runner and I soon began to think about the possibility of continuing running at college for an elite team and how ever far it may take me in the future. However, during my sophomore year I began to think about the possibility of a vocation in the religious life, which I greatly owe to a good friend of mine who inspired me at the time through his own discernment to the religious life. At the time I never really thought of the religious life to be a realistic choice for me until early my junior year when Fr. Steve Ryan SDB, came to my school to celebrate the mass. At this mass I really felt God speak directly to me during Fr. Steve’s homily. I felt Him telling me that He was calling me to the priesthood and to not be afraid to answer the call. From this day I felt that God was calling me to join the religious life and thus I continuously prayed for the next couple of months and attended a couple of adorations to discern my vocation.

By the spring of my junior year I finally made the decision to answer His call and to have courage though I may have been afraid. After my decision I became overwhelmed with peace and happiness, and since that day I continue to live everyday as a blessing and seeking God in others to continue to follow Him, as we’re all called to do in various ways.

One of Rafael's favorite place is actually out back where he often sits and prays the Rosary.

A source of daily inspiration for Rafael.

When he's not in the Chapel (left) Rafael is usually in the Salesian gym practicing his break dancing.