In 2013, Fr. Ricardo José da Rocha Teixeira, SCJ, was a student in the ECS program at SHSST (then, English as a Second Language), preparing for a mission assignment in China. Now the Portuguese SCJ is back to serve as a missionary to the US Province.
When Fr. Ricardo came to SHSST in 2013, it was his third time in the United States for ESL. His first was in 2001 as an SCJ in temporary vows, just beginning his English studies. That stay was extended by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “I was to return to Portugal to renew my vows, but all flights were cancelled.” He remembers Fr. Richard MacDonald, SCJ, provincial superior at the time, stepping in to receive the renewal.
Now 44, Fr. Ricardo has been in vows over 25 years and has been a priest since 2007. He has served in vocations, formation and parish ministry, but what he most enjoys are ministries that allow him to interact with people and cultures different than his own. For four years he was a missionary in China, and in his home province of Portugal, he has worked with lay volunteers, preparing them for short-term assignments in places such as Ecuador and Mozambique.
Fr. Ricardo credits an SCJ priest who spoke at his primary school for igniting his interest in the missions. “I was only 10 years old but I was fascinated by the idea of going out to the world and speaking of Jesus, going beyond what was familiar to me,” said Fr. Ricardo.
“And now, I have the stomach of a missionary,” he laughed. “I can eat anything.”
Fr. Ricardo, who speaks fluent Spanish and English (besides Portuguese and other languages), will be a member of the pastoral team at OLG as of October 20.
