Sebastian Flores
IGNIS Head
Year: Senior
Major: Business
Why did you join IGNIS? : I said yes to the mission because it gave so much to me, even when I never asked for it, and I wanted to give back to something that had such a deep impact on my life. Being part of this mission also allows me the chance to guide others in discovering the true spirit of serving those in need and to help them live out their faith through that service.
Mario Pastrana O’ Connor
SUM Branch Leader
Year: Senior
Major: Mechanical Engineer
Why did you join IGNIS? : I often feel I’m not doing enough to love as Jesus loved. When I see suffering, I want to help but I am weak and unsure. How can I tell someone in pain, “Hope” without feeling helpless? Yet I know the Lord asks for my presence, not my perfection. He calls me as I am. I joined this mission to say, “Here I am, send me.” Lord, take what little I have and make it Yours.
Kynslee Harris
SUW Branch Leader
Year: Junior
Major: Business Marketing
Why did you join IGNIS? : I wanted to do my part in a mission that brings Christ to so many people. I love that IGNIS allows us to live the charity Jesus calls us to do.
Jacob Steptoe
Logistics Head
Year: Junior
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why did you join IGNIS? : I met Christ on the mission and the feeling that I got during that time, I want to spread to other people.
Paulina O’Dell
Service Head
Year: Sophomore
Major: Health and Society Major
Why did you join IGNIS? : I wasnt originally planning on going, it had been on my mind, but I wanted to go home for the break to see my family. However, the Blessed Mother wanted me there and arranged for me to stay and still be able to find a way home for Christmas. When God is in control I know I can always give him my yes, and really understand that my plans arent mine, but His.
Ana Carrera
Media Head
Year: Sophomore
Major: PR Major and Sports Media minor
Why did you join IGNIS? : I gave IGNIS my YES as a form of grattitude for what the mission did to me last year. I came on mission spontaniuosly and entered with a hardened heart. Through the 5 days there, our Blessed Mother molded my heart into one a little more like hers. Now I do my best living to spread a flame of love, patience, and joy with everyone I encounter. This mission is a little vessel to do just that.
Matthew Santos
Outreach Head
Year: Senior
Major: Mathematics
Why did you join IGNIS? : I said yes to joining IGNIS, because of the encounter I had with the Lord during the mission and the want to share this experience with others. The mission started for me as a way of serving the community, and ended up turning into a personal experience with Christ through the hearts of the missionaries and the interactions with the community.
Gael Cruz
Finance Head
Year: Sophomore
Major: International Relations & Global Studies
Why did you join IGNIS? : I said yes to this mission because I want to be able to love others like how He loves us.
Enrique Morales
Cook Head
Year: 1st year Post-Grad
FOCUS Missionary
Why did you join IGNIS? : I said yes to serving as Ignis cook head because, after being a missionary myself, I saw how much a good, nourishing meal can lift spirits and keep the team going. This year, I want to make sure our missionaries are well fed, full of energy, and ready to give their best—so that the people of Austin can experience the depth of God’s love through them
Mary Flaherty
Activites Head
Year: Junior
Major: Biology, pre-med
Why did you join IGNIS? : I said yes to this mission because of it’s ability to transform the hearts of the missionaries and the community of Austin. It is a spark which is just getting the fire started, a spark that ignites the fire of Jesus in so many people’s hearts that the desire to spread His love doesn’t stop after the 5 days of Ignis.
Xavib Quiroz
Liturgy Head
Year: Sophomore
Major: Philosophy
Why did you join IGNIS? : I joined ignis in order to be able to bring the love of Christ to everybody in our city, no matter who they are.
Dean Planchon
Spirituality Head
Year: Sophomore
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why did you join IGNIS? : I said yes to joining IGNIS, because I feel this is the best way I can give back to the Catholic community here and more so the city of Austin, which has given me so much in my short time here.
Daniela Vargas
Music Head
Year: Sophomore
Major: Public Health
Why did you join IGNIS? : I believe that music is a powerful instrument of healing. Through it, I hope to help transform hearts, draw others closer to God, and spread the fire of the mission with hope and joy.