Florida Catholic | The Banker: Father Richard Vigoa

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ANA RODRIGUEZ–SOTO | FC

The Banker

Father Richard Vigoa was an investment banker who ultimately felt called to work for a “bigger boss”.

ANA RODRIGUEZ–SOTO | FLORIDA CATHOLIC MIAMI BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 05.16.08

MIAMI | A Miami Beach native who grew up in Winter Haven, Father Richard Vigoa had begun working for an investment banker while attending St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens.

“I really got into it by luck,” said the 38–year–old, but eventually he decided he wanted to “make a lot of money” and be as successful as his late father, “my hero.”

God had different plans.

Father Vigoa’s pastor in Winter Haven had told him at age 9 that he would make a good priest. His initial reply: “No way, gross!” But “it was like a seed that he planted in me. It just stayed there.”

Finally, he decided, “I’m just going to look into it,” and spent a weekend at a vocation awareness retreat at St. John Vianney College Seminary.

“From the first moment I walked into the chapel, it was like, I’m home. This is exactly where I’m supposed to be,” Father Vigoa said.

Years later, while studying at the major seminary, he heard through a friend that the investment banker wanted him back, and would pay him whatever salary he asked.

His reply: “Tell him I’m working for a bigger boss.”

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