Meet the Missionaries

Vanessa Marmolejo

Hey! I’m currently in my last semester of undergrad at Franciscan University. I’m a Theology-Psychology Double Major with the hopes of becoming a mental health counselor some day! 

I am serving with Totus Tuus because I love ministry and want to help children and teens encounter the Lord’s love. Becoming educated on one’s faith can help with just that. 

My patron saint is St. Faustina Kowalska. Reading her diary made me understand the Lord’s mercy in a deeper way. 

One fun fact about me is that I am a first-gen Colombian American!

Andrew Erickson

Hello all! My name is Andrew Erickson and I am a freshman studying theology and philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. I am extremely excited to serve as a Totus Tuus missionary! I can't wait to give myself to the Lord and see the ways He will work through His sons and daughters this summer. 

My favorite saint is St. Augustine. His radical conversion and immense contribution to the life of the church have shown me what it means to follow Christ. 

A fun fact about myself is I will be studying abroad in Austria next semester living in a 14th century monastery!

Arianna Guzman

Hello everybody! My name is Arianna Guzman, I am currently a freshman at Benedictine College studying Theology, Evangelization & Catechesis, and Philosophy. I am so pumped to be teaching Totus Tuus again this summer! I taught Totus Tuus last summer in Maine, and now I’m super excited to be teaching in New York. I love Totus Tuus because it shows how joy-filled and adventurous the faith life can be!

One of my all-time favorite saints is Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne because she was a missionary sister who traveled to my home state of Kansas. She was known for always praying which is something that I aspire to be known for as well! 

A fun fact about me is that I love traveling, so I’m super excited to meet and be with all of you! 

Connor Fontaine

Hello! My name is Connor Fontaine, and I’m an Accounting major at Franciscan university. 

I’m working with Totus Tuus because I have experienced the love of God so much in my life, and I want to share that with the youth of this diocese. 

My favorite Saint and patron is St Padre Pio because of the story where he appeared during one of the wars. 

One fun fact about me is that I love to ski and snowboard.

Elizabeth Joseph

Hello everyone! I am currently a rising sophomore at Franciscan University of Steubenville, studying experimental psychology with minors in biology and exercise science. I hope to work somewhere in the healthcare field someday! 

I am so excited to be able to serve as a Totus Tuus missionary this summer because of the authentic mission to teach every person the beauty of our Catholic faith through personal encounter and knowledge. I am beyond thrilled to see what the Lord has in store for this summer with his beautiful plan! 

My favorite Saint is St. Theresa of Calcutta, because she is a beautiful example of what it means to authentically and completely give her love and life to the Lord through the simplest of actions and encounters. 

A fun fact about me is that I was blessed with the opportunity to visit two Marian apparition sites and to see the pope all within one summer!

Eli Thomas

Hi! My name is Eli Thomas and I'm from Houston, TX. I am so excited to be serving as a Totus Tuus Missionary in the diocese of Syracuse this summer. 

Currently, I'm finishing my last semester of undergraduate Theology at Franciscan University. Next, I plan to pursue a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the hope of opening a private counseling practice. I'm passionate about helping people to see how Jesus has been working in their lives, even when it's hardest to know that he's really there. The Catholic Church has something for everyone! 

My favorite saint is Saint Pope John Paul II. His Theology of the Body has played an important role in my conversion and newfound love for teaching. My favorite quote of his is "Never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.” JP II's work continues to give me the encouragement I need to continue along my path toward Christ. 

Fun Fact: I love to travel! I have just 7 states left to visit before I've seen all of the United States!

Leia Kadelak

Heyoo! My name is Leia Kadelak and I am currently a senior in college studying Human Development and Family Studies at Franciscan University. I plan on taking a 5th year to finish out my studies and work as an elementary school teacher!  

I said yes to the call of becoming a Totus Tuus missionary because of the child-like joy and Christ-like love that I have and want to pour into all of the kids and teens that I get to serve this summer. Truthfully, I know that God gave us each the ability to love unconditionally and simply laugh with those who want to laugh. I pray that I can illuminate these aspects of Christ to the young church this summer. 

My favorite saint is Saint John the Beloved because of the way he never lost trust in the Lord and longed for friendship in Him. St. John reminds me to abide in the heart of Jesus and keep Him in the center of all I do. 

A fun fact about me is my ability to mimic a bunch of different accents. Sometimes I don't realize that I am not speaking normally until someone points it out.

Joey Labbe

Hi! My name is Joey Labbe and I am a rising junior at Franciscan University of Steubenville where I am studying Psychology with a minor in Math, while also working as an RA. 

I am excited to be serving as a Totus Tuus Missionary this summer because the Lord has been so generous with me, and I want to give back to Him. He has shown me my desire for mission, and I cannot wait to see how the Spirit moves this summer.

My favorite saint is Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (soon-to-be canonized!). I admire his persistent joy and his desire to bring people to God in all things. I love his life motto, "Verso l'alto!", which means "To the heights!", inspiring me to live seeking the perfection of the Lord.

One fun fact about me is that I taught myself to play guitar when I was in high school.

Theresa Grijalba

Hi! My name is Theresa Grijalba and I am a rising Junior at Franciscan University of Steubenville where I am studying Theology and Catechetics. I have served with ministries such as SENT and CONNECT with Franciscan and was a counselor at another Catholic summer camp! 

I have found such a passion for youth ministry as I was impacted in my faith life in my youth! Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” -Matthew 19:14. I am so excited to serve with Totus Tuus this summer and share the joy of the faith with His children! 

My confirmation saint is St. Rita! She was a mother, wife, and later a nun. She also received a thorn in her head (stigmata) in which she prayed she would receive. Her persistence in prayer in her ever changing situations is truly admirable and I look up to her patience!

A fun fact about me is that I was born on a military base! I was born at Fort Campbell Tennessee. My dad was in the military for 22 years and me and all my 7 siblings were born on military bases!

Joseph Maraski

Hi everyone! I am currently a student at George Mason University as a political science major. I am serving with Totus Tuus because I enjoy being a leader and uplifting the people around me. 

My favorite saint is Saint Michael the Archangel because he is a symbol of courage. A fun fact about me is that I am left handed.

MaryElizabeth Savage

Hello! I am a sophomore Theology and Catechetics major at Franciscan University and I am currently studying abroad in Gaming, Austria! 

I am partaking in the Totus Tuus missionary program because I hear the Lord calling me to help the youth grow closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ. I also had a great experience as a youth participating in Totus Tuus, and I would love to pay it forward with the youth this summer! 

My favorite patron saint is Pope St. John Paul II for so many reasons! I love his complete reliance on our Lord, his teachings on TOB (Theology of the Body), his relationship with Our Mother Mary, his love for sports, and how he genuinely interacted with the youth (he has beautiful child-like joy!). 

One fun fact about me is that I am on the XC and Track teams at Franciscan!

Macklen Bell

Hi! I’ve recently graduated Franciscan University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and after Totus Tuus I plan to work in designing roads in Anchorage, Alaska! 

Knowing many friends who helped serve with Totus Tuus, I am so excited to serve this summer to all the kids of the diocese. Two summers ago I worked at a Catholic camp and it brought me so much joy to bring a love of Jesus to the kids. Because of that, I wanted to serve one more summer so that I can share the gifts that God has given me during my time in Franciscan. 

Ironically, despite going to Franciscan, my favorite saint is Ignatius of Loyola because of his deep devotion to spiritual growth and a focus on mission work to the whole world. 

As for one fun fact, I know how to cook two things: Fettuccini Alfredo from scratch (including the pasta), and Halibut paella. Thanks for reading and I look forward to serving the diocese!

Elizabeth Peppel

Hello! My name is Liz Peppel and I am a rising senior at Franciscan University of Steubenville. I am studying social work with a minor in sociology.

This is my third year serving with Totus Tuus and I couldn’t be more excited to spend another summer serving the Diocese of Syracuse! The summer is always such a faith-filled adventure and I cannot wait to see what the Lord will do with the program this year.

My favorite saint is St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Although I am not named after her, she is my confirmation saint! I especially admire her humility. St. Elizabeth grew up in a royal family but lived her life in unity with the poor. One of my favorite quotes of hers is “how could I possibly bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me!" 

One fun fact about me is that I love to travel! So far, I have visited 13 countries and 30/50 of the United States!