Ben To ’24: Loving Christ in a New Way

At Strake Jesuit, spiritual formation is at the core of what we do. Our faculty ensures that a Jesuit education develops the reflective, critical, and spiritual potential of students, as well as their commitment to action and sharing of their gifts. In addition, our faculty guides our students in answering God’s invitation for their lives. 

Ben To ’24 grew up in a Buddhist household and was introduced to the Catholic faith by his aunt when he was eight years old. His aunt would bring him to Mass every time he visited her family. He noticed the loving community of the Church and wanted to grow in his faith by going to Christian camps such as Camp Cho-Yeh and eventually attending Strake Jesuit. Throughout his time at Strake Jesuit and Cho-Yeh, he was touched by Christ’s profound love and felt a clear call to draw closer to Him. 

Ben credits our theology department for guiding him as he came to know God and the Catholic Church, particularly Mrs. Gabriela Karaszewski. “My theology teacher, Mrs. Karaszewski, helped me along the way by teaching me about the sacraments. Her class widened my eyes for the Church and helped me grow closer with the Lord,” he says. 

During his senior year, he took a theology elective called “Praying with St. Ignatius of Loyola,” where students worked through the Spiritual Exercises, familiarized themselves with the basic principles of Ignatian Spirituality, and engaged with the exercises on a personal and spiritual level. Throughout his time at Strake Jesuit, Ben always looked up to St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus. He notes, “Taking a prayer class at school that uses his Spiritual Exercises has been extremely fruitful for my spiritual life.” 

So, why join the Church now? After being exposed to the sacraments for several years through his aunt and at Strake Jesuit, he knew it was time for a change in his life. During his junior year, Ben joined the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land. He admits that one of the hardest things about RCIA and joining the Church was staying committed to the Sunday RCIA sessions after seeing his friends and family spend time together without him. Still, he knew this was where God was calling him, so he prioritized it. Throughout his process, Toby Arayath ’24 accompanied him. “Someone who had a large impact was my sponsor, Toby. I met Toby in middle school but did not get to know him until I entered Jesuit. Throughout my time at Jesuit, Toby invited me to Mass, prayer groups, and a group doing Exodus 90. Through these experiences, Toby has helped me strengthen my faith and devotion to God,” he says. 

Upon entering the Church and receiving the sacraments, Ben describes feeling nervous initially, but that nervousness quickly turned into feelings of enlightenment and fulfillment. “During my baptism, I was extremely nervous at first, but after stepping out of the baptismal font, I felt cleansed and like I had been reborn. During confirmation, I felt enlightened and smelled nothing but the chrism oil. Finally, after my first communion, I felt fulfilled, as I have wanted to receive the Eucharist since I began my walk with Christ years ago.” 

What’s next? Ben is heading to the University of Houston in the fall. Since joining the Catholic Church, he now sees himself living a life for Christ. He has developed a greater appreciation for the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Catholic faith, which he looks forward to at every Mass. Ben is excited to evangelize and show what Christ can do in one’s life by sharing his own experience.