Father Brian’s journey to this moment began in Denver, Colorado. He attended Regis Jesuit High School and later Saint Louis University, where he majored in mathematics. After college, he joined the Augustinian Volunteers, working in the Bronx and then in South Africa. It was in South Africa, working at an elementary school and a hospice, that he felt a deeper calling.
He said, “It was the hardest I worked in my life, but also the easiest to get up in the morning, because I believed so strongly in the work that I was doing.” In 2011, he entered the Society of Jesus and began his formation as a Jesuit priest. His studies and assignments took him to places like Nicaragua and Boston, where he focused on theology and immigration.
His journey through formation was marked by a deep commitment to serving others, particularly those on the margins of society. Throughout this time, he learned to balance rigorous theological study with hands-on ministry, which prepared him for the challenges he would later face. After ten years, he was ordained in 2021 and assigned to the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border. There, he ministers to migrants in camps and shelters, offering Mass, blessings, and essential supplies. He co-hosts the Jesuit Border Podcast, sharing stories of migrants and advocates.
Through this platform, he seeks to humanize the struggles faced by those seeking a better life, fostering empathy and understanding. Father Brian emphasizes the importance of spiritual care, stating, “The worst discrimination which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care.” Through his work, Father Brian brings light to those in darkness, embodying compassion and faith on the front lines of migration. His unwavering dedication to service exemplifies the mission of the Jesuits: to accompany, serve, and advocate for those in need, no matter the obstacles or hardships encountered.
