It's been 18 months since Father Gustavo Castillo arrived at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church in Azusa</st1:city>, but his time in Azusa</st1:place></st1:city> been well spent. For a man who believes in Christian unity and sees Jesus Christ as the center of community, Castillo approach matches this sentiment.
"Besides the daily interaction with our parishioners, I have enjoyed my interaction with the different churches as well as our partnership with APU," said Castillo. "Here in Azusa,</st1:place></st1:city> we have a very active Ministerial Association and APU welcomed with me from day one and that has opened up many doors for collaboration and ministry together."
Born and raised in Jalisco</st1:city>, Mexico</st1:country-region>, Castillo came to the United States</st1:country-region> at 15 and attended St. John's</st1:city> Seminary in Camarillo</st1:place></st1:city>. He was ordained in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2001 and is now assigned St. Frances</st1:country-region> of Rome Catholic Church in Azusa</st1:place></st1:city>.
As a member of APU's Community Relations Council and the Ministerial Association, Castillo remains connected with other leaders in Azusa</st1:place></st1:city>.
"I believe that God put us together for a reason, and that together, we can do much more than one can in isolation," said Castillo. "It is exciting to see what is happening in our community and I am looking for ways in which we can be a part of the solution."
St. Frances</st1:country-region> of Rome</st1:place></st1:city> serves 5,000 families. Father Castillo's parish assignment has been extended one year and he hopes to stay as pastor for a six-year term starting the following year.
As a Catholic priest, Castillo does not choose his assignments. Instead, he goes wherever the bishop determines a need exists.
Following chapel, a reception for APU and Azusa community members was held in LAPC to celebrate Father Castillo and his work throughout the community.
"Father Gustavo's passion and love for Azusa has made a positve change in our community," said Director of Community Relations Ginny Dadaian. "Since he arrived, he has been a doer."
Posted: February 20, 2008