Each religious community must have at least 10 vocations under the age of 30 before Prospero considers it for a visit. He and the students will spend a whole day with each community and one with them in their apostolates. Although University Ministry does not endorse the trips, Prospero feels that he is meeting a need by presenting the students with options of religious life they might not have previously considered.

“ I’m kind of in the middle generation. This newer generation, they don’t have any hang-ups about authority in the Church. … They want stability, they want truth … they want to be radical,” he said to explain the potential appeal of conservative religious life. “They’re [the religious sisters they visit] living fulfilled lives in this radical way.”
The calling to religious life first came to Prospero in high school, while on retreat his senior year, although he didn’t pay much mind until his junior year at Marquette, where he was studying business administration. He went to novitiate in St. Paul, Minn., then studied humanities and philosophy at Creighton before spending four years in regency at Red Cloud Indian School.
“ It was the most challenging experience of my life,” he said of the time spent in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. “I’d never really experienced human suffering before … the hopelessness, lack of self dignity, alcoholism.”

Prospero incorporates elements of Native American spirituality into his ministry, which he calls an “incredible treasure,” one he has been blessed to find. It is a treasure he intends to share with those he is called to serve, especially, right now, the young.
“ I’m a young priest. I want to work with young people,” Prospero said. “I love it. Best job I’ve ever had in my life!”