In 2016, Patricio Chacon entered the Norbertine community as a postulant; a formal live in experience with the community while continuing school, and working. After a time of discernment he was initiated as a Novice on August 27, 2017. At his initiation he received the Norbertine Habit, taking the title of Brother, and learning what it means to be a Norbertine. On August 28, 2019, Patricio made his first profession of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to the Norbertine community. 

Patricio writes, “What drew me to religious life is rooted in my own experience of family and community. What I found in this community of men is another family; people to depend on, and to walk this journey of faith with, just as in any family, or in our own small communities. Even though I have this group to journey with, it is one of the most challenging journeys I have ever walked. Living a counter cultural life isn’t always our first choice, in fact we are bound to receive some sort of criticism or pushback, but those experiences are moments where we can encounter God’s grace, pushing us forward to persevere in the type of life we are living. It is in these challenges we encounter our identity in God, learning who we are. Take the risk. If Jesus took the risk and called the lowest members of society to be his disciples, we can open our hearts and take the risk of allowing God into our own lives. It will be difficult, but know that God is present each step.”