Uniquely Mine
NTC/Juan Guajardo
HE IS: Father Pepe Ruiz, SJ, of Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: A child of parents who met at a retreat and were deeply involved in the church, Fr. Ruiz recalled watching his father seek spiritual guidance from a Jesuit priest during challenging moments.
“When I turned 14, I attended a retreat for myself, and it was a pivotal experience for me, one that helped me realize my faith was taking shape in a way that was uniquely mine, different from my parents,” Fr. Ruiz shared.
A GIFT, A CALL: From then on, he began helping lead retreats for young adults in Ciudad Juárez. It was a lot of work, but he felt drawn to the spiritually transformative experiences.
He continued discerning while pursuing an industrial engineering and business degree.
“The most important insight I had was to recognize what I most enjoy, what gives me life, and what I feel I do well, and where I’ve been gifted: organizing retreats and working with people,” Fr. Ruiz said. “I felt a strong calling toward ministry.”
BEAUTIFUL SERVICE: Drawn to the Jesuits’ four main areas of service (spiritual retreats, education, social outreach, and parish work), Fr. Ruiz entered the order’s seminary at the age of 21. His formation journey ended 21 years later, when he took his final Jesuit vows on Aug. 5, 2024, at Sacred Heart Parish in El Paso.
Throughout his formation, Fr. Ruiz served in Louisiana, St. Louis, Boston, Houston, Puerto Rico, and Guadalajara. He earned two master’s degrees from Boston College; a third from the University of Comillas in Madrid, Spain; taught high school; worked in campus ministry; was a vicar and a pastor; and offered support to those impacted by both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Maria. During those critical moments, he offered pastoral care and support to those affected.
“The experience was very beautiful, even as it was difficult,” Fr. Ruiz reflected. “It was rewarding to be able to serve during such times.”
ORDAINED: June 15, 2015, at St. Joseph Parish in New Orleans
SEEING CLEARLY: Fr. Ruiz finds a special joy in receiving confessions.
“I feel moved to reflect on how, all this time, God has used me to extend His mercy to others. It’s incredible to see how God works through this sacrament.”
As people find peace in relieving their sins, “it’s like I’m seeing a window of what God sees, and I can sense the warmth in how He cares for us.”
RETURN TO RETREAT: For the past three years, Fr. Ruiz has been one of three Jesuit priests serving at Montserrat.
“It’s a place where we can be together. People don’t come to debate the Word. No, it’s a place to pray, be with God, read Scripture, and there are no impediments to be with Him.”
SAFE PLACE: Some attendees come to Montserrat looking for insight, wisdom, and renewal; and others come carrying the weight of difficult decisions.
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUND: “A lot of people come fearing they won’t be able to handle the silence, that it’s going to be very difficult. But almost always, what I hear is that it becomes irrelevant once the retreat begins because there are talks, opportunities for spiritual guidance, and there’s a lot to pray.”
TAKE JOY IN PRAYER: He hopes for the faithful to find renewed joy in prayer, recommending for all to try the Ignatian Examen, which sustains his own prayer life.
“Even if it’s something as simple as closing my eyes, imagining that God is embracing me, this could be the most beautiful and most important thing in my day."