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Brother Juan Acuña Gonzáles, C.PP.S., was definitively incorporated as a Missionary of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.) during a liturgy held in Santiago, Chile, on August 18.

Brother Juan, 38, who was born in Santiago, has been studying and ministering in the United States for the past five years, but returned to his roots for his profession as a religious brother. The liturgy was celebrated at San Gaspar School, which is sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. It was at the school where Brother Juan first became acquainted with the Missionaries. He knew from his childhood that he wanted to be a Missionary, but the priests of the Congregation encouraged him to continue his education and learn more about life before making that commitment.

After earning a degree and working as a civil engineer in Chile, Brother Juan entered religious formation in 2007 in Dayton, Ohio. He felt called to be a brother, but there were no CPPS brothers in Chile. To be formed as a brother in the presence of CPPS brothers, he needed to relocate to the United States, where many religious brothers are part of the Cincinnati Province.

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His fluency  in English allowed him to pursue advanced courses in theology.  Earlier this year, Brother Juan completed a master of arts degree in pastoral studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He has volunteered with the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago and has used his talents in photography and web design to aid the Congregation.

Fr. Larry Hemmelgarn, CPPS, provincial director of the Cincinnati Province, and six other C.PP.S. members from North America were on hand to witness Brother Juan’s commitment.

Brother Juan, the son of Odette González and the late Manuel Acuña, has been assigned as a learning specialist at Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Ind., which is sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.

Text  courtesy of Jean Giesige, Cincinnati Province
Photos courtesy of Mr. Pedro Pablo Pino, teacher at Saint Gaspar College [/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]