ACU at UF

The ACU began the new academic year with UF Catholic Gators right where it left off last year, continuing to build upon the success and enthusiasm of this growing apostolate at the University of Florida.

On Monday, August 31, 45 students participated in the first formation meeting of the semester. The evening began in the Student Center chapel before Gerry Portela led the students into small-group discussions centered on two fundamental questions: “Is God real?” and “Who is God?” Joining Gerry as part of the ACU team were Andres Manrara, Jay Velasco, Gerry Fernandez, and Seth Caraecle, who accompanied the students and helped facilitate the evening’s conversations.

The students engaged in thoughtful discussions, drawing upon the Catholic intellectual and theological tradition as well as their own experiences and knowledge of the faith. Among the responses discussed were St. Thomas Aquinas’ Five Ways for the existence of God, St. Anselm’s ontological argument, and St. Augustine’s argument from eternal truth—the idea that immutable truths, which transcend individual human minds, ultimately point toward an eternal and unchanging Truth in God. The students also discussed Eucharistic miracles as signs pointing toward the reality and presence of God.

The following morning, Tuesday, September 1, the ACU invited students to gather for breakfast and fellowship, with 12 students joining.

The next formation meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 28. The ACU team remains excited and encouraged by the continued growth of this important apostolate and asks for the prayers of all Agrupados that the Holy Spirit may continue to guide and bless its work with the students at the University of Florida.