In Friendship with Christ: Sofia Barreto

Sofia Barreto lives in Hidalgo and is a recent graduate from The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley majoring in Biology with minors in Psychology and Addiction Studies. In an interview with Raul Cabrera, associate director for University Ministry, she shares her discipleship journey, her experiences as a ministry intern, and her vision for the future.  

What would you like others to know about you? 

I am a daughter of God. I am a friend, a daughter, a sister, a person trying to find purpose in life. I am caring, empathetic, and someone who takes genuine interest in others. I try to be there for people. I grew up with the faith examples of what a Catholic family should do. Now I am a young adult who is actively seeking to live my Catholic faith. More specifically, I want to bring awareness of issues such as struggles with mental disorders. People who need therapy and counseling are also children of God and deserve to be treated with dignity and love.  

How has your discipleship journey been strengthened at the Newman Center?  

I remember going to a student involvement fair at UTRGV to find a community, and not just go back home right after classes. Standing out among a multitude of people and tables, my sister and I saw a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and we saw that as a clear invitation to bring us closer back to the Church. So then my sister and I decided to go to the Newman Center for the food, but we found more than a meal. When I first stepped foot at the Newman Center, I thought to myself, “I am not as Catholic as the people here are.” I felt like that because I was just going to church because my family is used to it. But then I realized that people here are actually wanting to be active in church life. Yes, students also have problems with family, school, and other issues part of life, but I saw that finding the Newman Center allowed me to meet other college students who are falling in love with God and the Catholic faith. This brought my faith back to life.  

As a new university graduate, what advice and invitation would you like to offer graduating high school seniors as they embark on their college journey?  

I would repeat what St. John Paul II said: “Do not be afraid.” Try to find and belong to a group while you are in college. Remember that you are loved and important — you are a child of God. Seek out different things that get you out of your comfort zone. When I was younger, I did not feel comfortable praying or going to Mass from Spanish to English. It was a different prayer language for me. But then I took the risk of doing both, and have found a wonderful reward. Speaking of prayer, Pope Francis declared 2024 as the Year of Prayer.  

What are some of the ways you pray?  

As a child, I was taught the regulars: the Rosary, the Our Father. Now that I have greater appreciation of who I am and who the Holy Trinity is, my prayer life has increased in intimacy. I like to do a morning offering and read the Gospel of the day. I started journaling recently. This practice allows me to put words to my prayer that I find difficult to express other than through writing. My prayer notes also help me retain my dialogue with God and to constantly keep growing. Other than that, I also like to follow what St. José Maria Escriva said about sanctifying work and daily life; in other words, make your day a prayer and offer it for the good of others.  

How would you like to continue to grow in your relationship with the Lord and the Church as a young adult?  

I recall some words from Catholic author Jeff Cavins, who gave a talk at the Seek24 conference: “Act as if God were real.” These words spoke to me, meaning that I should not just live and leave my faith where it is. Rather, I need to keep growing and seeking God by staying active and not letting other things get on the way. I am encouraged to surround myself by people who are also aspiring to grow. Heaven is waiting for us!