by Richard Demeter

orge Humberto Alvarenga Elias, a 28-year-old Salvadoran, was inducted into the Salesian pre-novitiate program during a March 19 liturgy at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, Calif. "I feel so happy because so many people believe in me and have supported me for the past two years," Humberto said after taking the first step toward becoming a Salesian brother. After a six-month pre-novitiate period in Rosemead, California, he will spend a year in Guadalajara, Mexico, as a novice. After returning to California, he expects to work at the Salesian clubs in East Los Angeles.

Humberto, who holds a degree in sociology from a Guatemalan university, came to the United States in 1994. About a year later he came into contact with the Salesians while attending Mass at St. Mary’s Church in East Los Angeles. There he met Fr. Roger Luna, who was associate pastor at the time, and Br. Steve Gomez, who worked at the Salesian Youth Center near the church. Humberto regards both of these Salesians as the biggest influences on his vocation. "Br. Steve is honest, hardworking, and never gets angry, and is very open with the kids and their parents," Humberto said. "And Fr. Roger is kind, a gentleman and a very spiritual man." Humberto is also grateful for the financial assistance which the Salesian cooperators at St. Dominic Savio parish in Bellflower, Calif., have given him. While subsequently living at St. Mary’s, Humberto received additional support for his vocation from the pastor, Fr. Jim Nieblas. Humberto also worked at the Salesian Youth Center, tutoring young people, playing sports with them, giving them religious instruction and teaching them about art and music. He is currently studying child development and English composition at Cal State Los Angeles University in preparation for a career as a teacher. In addition, he teaches confirmation classes at St. Gertrude parish in Bell Gardens, Calif.

"I’m very excited about working with the Latino people in East L.A.," the young aspirant added. "I hope I can continue to bring the joy of the Gospel to the young people there."