Hello brothers and sisters from Transfiguration Parish.

     Please allow me to introduce myself to all of you. My name is Israel Santiago, I am a candidate for the Permanent Diaconate and I will be ordained a Permanent Deacon on May 14, 2022. I ask of your prayers as I assure you mine for all of you.
     My family is made up of my wife Rosa M. Gil and our children Jazmin, Daniel and Jezenia Santiago. I am originally from the State of Morelos, Mexico, my wife is from the State of Michoacán, Mexico. We have belong to Transfiguration since 2013. In Easter 2015, I received the Sacraments of Initiation through the RCIA to be part of this great family of God. I have been participating in different ministries of the church: Lector,
Extraordinary Minister of Communion, Acolyte, and Member of the Pastoral Council and most recently, chair of the Liturgy Ministry for the Latino Ministry Commission.

In 2016 I began my studies at the Pastoral Leadership Institute of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein. In 2018 I had the privilege of responding to God’s call through the invitation to be part of the formation program of the Permanent
Diaconate of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.

     I THANK GOD for life, thank my wife and children for the support they have given me, my mentor Rev. JUAN PABLO AVILA IBARRA, for his support and advice to be a part of this journey at the service of God, to Deacon Jose Mancilla for his accompaniment, and to the community in general for your support and prayers.

     I look forward to continue serving God and the Transfiguration community. I put myself in the hands of God and, with his help, to be able to serve this community as I am called to do. 

     Once again, greetings and my prayers for each one of you.

Sincerely,
     Israel Santiago.