1.- Many students aren’t quite sure what a chaplain does at the university. How would you explain it to them?
We chaplains are here to serve the students. Just as the university has, for example, a Sports Service, or a Counseling and Wellness Unit like Compass, it also has a spiritual attendance service—and that’s what we chaplains are.
2.- What would you like a student who has never visited chapel to know about the Chaplaincy?
That they can come talk to us whenever they want.
3.- Why might a student come to talk to you, aside from going to confession or attending Mass?
People usually have problems, questions… Deep doubts about the meaning of life, difficulties they face with their family or friends, and sometimes they need answers. And we don’t always know where to find them. We chaplains, who have experience and have worked with many people, can listen, help, and offer guidance in this regard.
4- What do you like most about your work at the university?
There are many things. I really enjoy giving class, talking with students, and everything related to my priestly ministry.
5. What’s the best part of being a priest?
Wow! That’s a really tough one. I’d say the best part is celebrating Mass. But, well, the sacraments in general, hearing confessions, talking with people…
6. What’s your favorite spot at the “ campus ”?
The “ Shrine of Our Lady of Fair Love,” without a doubt.
7. Sweet or savory breakfast
Savory.
8. Do you have a nickname?
Some people call me “Don Ru” or “Rubens”...
9. Where was I during the World Cup final?
In the United States, actually. I was on a research stay ship at the University of Notre Dame. And I really enjoyed it, to be honest.
10. A dream yet to come true
I've fulfilled several, but… To go to heaven.
11.- A place you always want to return to
My home.
In Logroño?
No. My high school mayor, Belagua.
12. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Clairvoyance.
13. What word best describes you?
I’d like it to be “loyal.”
14. The perfect plan for your day off
Hanging out with friends, surrounded by nature… and a nice cold beer.
15. Is there a place in the world you'd like to visit?
Vancouver and China.
16. Messi or Cristiano
Rodri.
17. Favorite mobile app
Claude. (laughs)
18. The best gift I’ve ever received
It wasn’t really a gift as such. It was a full-day outing. Someone who knew me very well planned it and knew exactly what to do at every moment, what I would like… It was all a surprise. And I felt very loved, precisely because I could tell that person knew me so well.
19. Favorite song, movie, and book
"Cuando nadie ve" by Morat; *Braveheart*; and *Anna Karenina* by Tolstoy.
20. The University of Navarra is…
An incredible dream.