Six years ago, Kolbe Mission Founder and Vice President Kevin Starrs met Fernando Quiroz while serving in Lewis Prison. At the time, Fernando was a 54-year-old man who had spent much of his life trapped in addiction and the criminal lifestyle. Having struggled with drug addiction for decades, he had also spent 30 years in and out of prison. Looking back, Fernando acknowledges that while drugs played a significant role in his story, his greatest addiction was to the criminal life itself. He did not believe in God and saw little reason to hope for a different future.
Despite the challenges he faced, Fernando remained close to his mother and cherished their relationship. In 2019, she asked him to paint a picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary for her. An exceptionally talented artist, Fernando agreed and began working on the portrait. What happened next would change the course of his life.
As he put the finishing touches on the painting, Fernando experienced something he could not explain. Looking into the eyes of Mary that he himself had painted, he was overwhelmed by a profound sense of love and peace. That moment became the beginning of a deep spiritual conversion. Through the Blessed Mother’s intercession, Fernando’s heart was opened to Jesus Christ.
Eager to learn more about the faith, Fernando immersed himself in study, reading extensively and watching programming from EWTN. With the help of Catholic volunteers around the state, he embraced the Catholic faith and began attending the Catholic services held within the prison. It was there that he reconnected with Kevin Starrs, who regularly led Communion services and ministered to inmates.
As the years passed, Fernando was transferred between several prisons throughout Arizona. Yet the friendship and mentorship that had begun behind prison walls continued to grow. Kevin faithfully traveled across the state to visit Fernando, encouraging him in his faith and supporting him throughout his journey of recovery and transformation.
Last week marked a long-awaited milestone: Fernando was released from prison. Kevin and his wife, Silvia, welcomed him by sharing a meal with Fernando and his mother, celebrating not only his freedom but also the remarkable work God has accomplished in his life.
Today, Fernando’s story stands as a powerful witness to the transformative grace of God. What began with a simple request to paint an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary became an encounter with Christ that changed everything. As Fernando begins this new chapter, Kevin continues to mentor him and is excited to welcome him as a volunteer with Kolbe Mission, where his testimony of hope, redemption, and faith will inspire others seeking a new way of life.
Kevin, Fernando and Father Wetzal at the celebration of The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Sacred Heart Church. Father Wetzal has replaced Kevin as the Director of Prison Ministry and was Kevin’s summer intern eight years ago.
Fernando, his mother, Kevin and Kevin’s wife on Fernando’s release day.
