Fr. Nelson Cintra

In our latest podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Father Nelson Cintra, whose journey to the priesthood is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Father Nelson's story is a testament to the winding and often challenging path that many people experience when discerning their vocation.

Father Nelson Cintra's Journey to the priesthood

Father Nelson grew up in a secularized Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in a Catholic family. Although he received the sacraments and attended a Catholic school, his upbringing was largely secular. It wasn't until he moved to the United States that his journey towards the priesthood began to take shape. His mother, who was half American and half Brazilian, decided to move to Ohio to join their American family and provide better opportunities for Father Nelson after the death of his grandfather.

In Ohio, Father Nelson pursued a degree in psychology, but he found himself without a clear direction after graduation. His search for meaning and purpose led him to read "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis, which played a significant role in his spiritual journey. This book helped him answer some of the fundamental questions about God, faith, and the Catholic Church.

Father Nelson's path took an interesting turn when he started working at "The  Ranch", an alternative boarding school in Idaho for at-risk youth. Living in yurts and working in a remote setting, Father Nelson found himself reconnecting with the basics of life and starting to lay the foundations of a deeper prayer life. The simplicity and challenges of this lifestyle helped him grow spiritually and discern his calling to the priesthood.

This journey continued through seminary, where daily holy hours, conferences, and retreats enriched their understanding of prayer and vocational discernment.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the challenges of discerning one's vocation, whether it be marriage, priesthood, or religious life. Fr. Nelson emphasizes the importance of differentiating between personal desires and God's will, a process that involves deep introspection and spiritual guidance.

Therapy and Spiritual counseling 

One of the most compelling segments of the episode is the discussion on integrating psychology and spirituality. Our guest addresses common misconceptions about counseling and therapy, emphasizing that true healing and spiritual growth come from a holistic approach that includes both psychological and spiritual guidance. They advocate for a balanced perspective, where prayer and counseling work together to heal and restore the soul.

Raising Catholic Children

As the episode progresses, we delve into practical advice for parents seeking to raise faith-filled children. Fr. Cintra shares examples of effective parenting practices, such as immediate and loving correction of disrespectful behavior, and the importance of a warm and affectionate home environment. These daily interactions, they argue, are far more impactful on a child's spiritual formation than any external influences.

The conversation then shifts to the crucial role of family in faith formation. Fr. Nelson highlights the impact of a nurturing and spiritually enriching home environment, drawing from their own experiences and observations. They stress the importance of creating a "Catholic culture" within the home, where daily habits and interactions reflect and reinforce faith values.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to open their hearts to God's love and guidance in their spiritual journey and family life. Whether you're discerning your vocation, seeking to deepen your prayer life, or striving to raise a faith-filled family, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST-DONT MISS OUT 

Fr. Cintra is Joining the Desert Wanderers Crew! We will be doing a segment episode every month called Generational Catholicism . Fr. Nelson Cintra will be interviewing family at every stage of parenting asking question that will get to the root of how to pass the faith on to the next generation. 

Do you have a young family? Questions about Parenting Practices? Ask your Question using this Google Form, and we will have Father ask his guest your questions!