September 5, 2023 — On Sunday, the Jesuits West Province officially welcomed three new novices during the Mass of Investiture at the Jesuit Novitiate of the Three Companions in Culver City, California. They were joined at the Mass by seven new novices from the USA Central and Southern Province. In June, Father General Arturo Sosa, SJ, approved the relocation of the Central and Southern Province’s St. Stanislaus Kostka Novitiate from Grand Coteau, Louisiana, to the Novitiate of the Three Companions in Culver City, California.
Investiture reflects an ancient custom in religious life when candidates take another step in their vocation and formally become novices with the letters nSJ after their names. Read more about the Jesuits West novices below.
Mike Mateo-Sebastian, nSJ, who hails from Mesa, Arizona, received a bachelor’s in theology and political science from Benedictine University. After graduation, he worked with people with special needs and for several law firms. He volunteered with the Mayan community in Mesa and with parishes — in youth ministry, music ministry and catechesis. Mike’s interests include theology, track, nature, music and cultures, and he enjoys being with family. His favorite saint is St. Aloysius Gonzaga.
Corey Trujillo, nSJ, is from Gardnerville, Nevada. He earned bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and Spanish from the University of Portland, a master’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he founded and was chair of the Committee on Equity in Mechanical Engineering. Corey has worked as a mechanical engineer, an instructor and a graduate researcher. He enjoys cooking with friends, teaching, mentoring and playing dominoes with his grandparents.
Andru Zodrow, nSJ, a native of Spokane, Washington, graduated from Gonzaga Preparatory School in Spokane and earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and theology from Seattle University. During college, he served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, was a member of the university’s Ethics Bowl team and worked in Washington state politics. Attending Jesuit schools helped foster his call to join the Society. Andru is an Eagle Scout who enjoys the outdoors, theater, and chatting with his grandmother and mother over the Sunday paper.