NAME: Chuya Silva
PARISH: St. John’s Abbey, Collegeville
OCCUPATION: Patient access assistant at the St. Cloud Hospital
HOBBIES/INTERESTS: I love spending time with my family and going on walks with my kids. I enjoy reading in my spare time.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR AND/OR YOUR FAMILY.
I’m a Mexican American. I come from a family of immigrants who came to the U.S. looking for a better life and more opportunities for the family. I was born in Washington state and I spent my early years there. Central Minnesota has been my home for the 20 years. I’ve earned a degree in early childhood education from St. Cloud Technical and Community College. I am a single mom of two. I have learned that with hard work, dedication and faith, anything is possible.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR PARISH COMMUNITY?
I like my parish community’s family culture. I feel a sense of family, togetherness. I feel welcome. My parish family brings me such peace. I am a student at Emmaus Institute and it’s because of the culture and support from my parish that I am able to continue my studies.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRAYER?
My favorite prayer is the Our Father.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SAINT?
My favorite saint is La Virgin de Guadalupe because I have a lot of faith in her. I grew up hearing about her and seeing her a lot. But as I got older I understood her strength and the devotion that many have for her.
NAME ONE WAY YOU ARE LIVING OUT YOUR FAITH IN YOUR DAILY LIFE.
One way I am living out my faith is by prayer. I am firm believer in the power of prayer. It’s something Father Efrain Rosado always says we should do. Pray. Take the time to pray, but most importantly, pray with family. I’m also a catechism co-teacher and help prepare young children for their first Communion. I’m always looking to grow and learn better ways to live out my faith.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO VOICE AND SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES OF FAITH WITH OTHERS?
What inspires me to live my faith are my own personal struggles/trials. At my lowest of lows, there has always been one person there for me and that is God. God has always been by me and has always held my hand and has not let go. God is so merciful and has shown me time and time again that he’s with me. I always put him first.