HENDERSONVILLE — Daniel Chaves Peña thought he had his life all worked out. A track star living in New Jersey, he was close to achieving his dreams as an athlete, but suddenly his life changed. God had different plans for him. Plans to which, he eventually would say yes.
Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Chaves moved to New Jersey in 1993 at a young age. As he matured, so did the quiet call God was placing in his heart.
He entered seminary and completed his philosophical studies in Spain in 2010. His journey of formation led him to serve in missions in Peru from 2016 to 2018, and eventually to Rome, where he earned his Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology in 2021.
In 2023, Chaves joined the Diocese of Charlotte’s seminary program and is serving the community of Immaculate Conception Parish in Hendersonville as he awaits the grace of receiving Holy Orders.
CNH: When did you first feel a calling to the priesthood?
Chavez Peña: When I got to what was going to be my last year of high school, I ran cross-country and I was doing pretty well. I had many scholarship offers from universities here in the United States, and in the final race of the state championship in New Jersey, I collapsed just before reaching the finish line...
They rushed me to the ER, and they told me it was my sugar levels – they were extremely low. That began a crisis not only health-wise, but spiritually. And
I wasn’t getting better, I had relapses, so the decision was made for me to return to Colombia with my mom.
It was during that crisis when I had to face reality. Because everyone thought my future was so bright, and suddenly I realized life ends and things aren’t just fun or passing time. You face reality and the question arises. And as I said, it wasn’t just “change your life,” but “give yourself to Me.” But that was a vague first call that I didn’t fully understand until much later.
CNH: What was life like in Colombia? How did it lead to you choosing this life?
Chavez Peña: When I went to Colombia, I reconnected with the Church through my paternal grandparents, especially through the Charismatic Renewal at the Minuto de Dios, a very strong movement in Colombia. Even though I’ve never felt particularly drawn to the Charismatic Renewal, it was like the door that opened for me to search for what I was looking for. And eventually that same grandmother took me to a silent weekend retreat—an Ignatian retreat in Bogotá—where I clearly found the call to the priesthood.
At that retreat I remember thinking, yes, maybe this is it, but we’re always reluctant to face what God asks of us because we know God asks for a lot. So there was that fear: if I say yes, everything else is over. …But the thought kept returning, resonating, until I said, I can’t live with myself if I say no. It was so clear – God was calling me.
CNH: Reflecting on that health crisis you had in high school, how did God use it to transform you?
Chavez Peña: I’d say it was the beginning of a transformation—one I dare say continues even today, and probably will until my death. But yes, it was the push. A moment where I said, “I could die here.” And everything changes—it's a new reality. And even though I wasn’t practicing, that’s the beauty of planting faith in children: even if they stray, the seed remains. And I realized—if I die now, I must give an account to God. There is something after life. And it may be heaven, or it may not be. It’s serious, facing that. That was the shake that began the process of thinking differently.
CNH: What are some of your interests?
Chavez Peña: I like reading a lot—especially lives of saints and writings of saints. History as well, but spending time with writings of saints is what I dedicate the most time to, especially during prayer. And classical music.
CNH: How has your family relationship been with your decision to pursue the priesthood?
Chavez Peña: My dad always supported me and told me, “If that’s what you believe God is asking, go ahead.” My mom had a harder time because moms are moms, and I’m her only child, her only son. That bond is special, and it isn’t easy—I understand that. She didn’t oppose it directly, but you could tell she didn’t share that ideal at first. But beautifully, as time has gone by, she’s now a model Catholic. I couldn’t ask for more.
CNH: You mentioned reading saints. Is there any who particularly inspires you?
Chavez Peña: First, St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Thérèse of Lisieux. Not only her life and teachings, but the spiritual closeness I’ve felt with her in critical moments of my vocation. Her “spiritual childhood” – giving everything to God but with a sense of personal weakness. Recognizing that God provides what He asks of us. That intimate trust in God. That even when things are dark, you move forward knowing He’s there. She has been a great support.
The second influence, giving everything a Marian flavor, is St. Maximilian Kolbe. His spirituality deepened my understanding of Mary…She has been decisive in my journey.
— Brian M. Segovia