“The fact that the Jesuits are a religious order that’s found all over the world was a big draw for me. But I never imagined being able to do a stage of formation in a culture and a language that were foreign to me. The three years I spent in France for theology studies were the most formative in my Jesuit life. ”
Will continue his studies for a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry.
Ulises (Uli) Covarrubias, SJ, was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, but has called Inglewood, California home since the age two. The experience of belonging to two cultures, yet often feeling like he didn’t fully belong in either, marked his worldview, making him a person who is willing to take on an outsider’s perspective and promote dialogue and reconciliation. This is what led Uli to pursue his bachelor’s degree in international development studies from the University of California, Los Angeles and his master’s degree in public diplomacy from the University of Southern California.
While the idea of becoming a priest first floated in his mind as a teenager, Uli didn’t seriously consider it until after attending an ordination Mass. The example of the newly ordained men and the joy of the people of God gave him the motivation to begin discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
Uli reached out to the Jesuits at the suggestion of a friend who said there was “something special” about their spirituality. The more he learned, the more he loved. He was particularly drawn to their work in education, their commitment to those who live on the margins and their promotion of Ignatian spirituality. He felt confirmed in his desire to be a Jesuit after doing an eight-day discernment retreat in silence, which he describes as a very real, very deep and very personal encounter with the risen Christ.
In 2014, he entered the novitiate. Since then, he has lived in St. Louis, where he studied philosophy and received a master’s degree in Spanish at Saint Louis University. For regency, Uli taught religion and Spanish in the midst of the pandemic at Seattle Preparatory School, after which he was missioned to Paris for theology studies at Facultés Loyola Paris. He is currently at Boston College working on a Licentiate in Sacred Theology in spirituality, which he will continue after ordination.
Bachelor’s degree, international development studies, University of California, Los Angeles; Master’s degree, public diplomacy, University of Southern California; Master’s degree, Spanish, Saint Louis University; Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Facultés Loyola Paris
It's hard to choose one favorite saint. There are so many who have spoken to me through the witness of their lives. And depending on where I find myself in my spiritual life, I will find myself drawn to one more than the other. From St. Joseph to St. Mary Magdalene, to St. Thérèse of Lisieux to St. Oscar Romero, what stands out to me about these saints I love was their love for Jesus and their love for humanity both within themselves and within their neighbors.
Spiritual writing. Since I started discerning my vocation, I began writing small reflections about Gospel passages, which I found drew me closer to the living Christ. This has continued throughout my formation. I enjoy writing not only reflections, but also poetry and prayers. I love being able to put into words and share that which is deep within my heart.
The fact that the Jesuits are a religious order that's found all over the world was a big draw for me. But I never imagined being able to do a stage of formation in a culture and a language that were foreign to me. The three years I spent in France for theology studies were the most formative in my Jesuit life.
Although I recognize that I had at my disposition so many resources to facilitate my experience, I feel that I was given a taste of what so many migrants go through: the loneliness, homesickness, insecurity with the language. At the end, I walked away knowing that there are so many diverse and beautiful forms of expression and communication, so many different ways of entering into relationship, and that our God is always greater than we imagined.
You will get to know and love God more than you could ever imagine.
You will get to know and love people more than you could ever imagine.
You will get to know and love yourself more than you could ever imagine.
