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Father Powell is a native Texan who grew up in a Roman Catholic family. He is one of four children who attended a non-denominational school with very few Catholics. He began learning and loving his Faith by altar-serving and having faith-based discussions with friends and teachers. Through prayer and study, he discerned a call to the priesthood. After a year of college at Texas Tech University, he joined the Conventual Franciscans in the St. Bonaventure Province. After nearly two years of further discernment, he left the order and returned to Texas Tech University for another year of learning. By the end of this year, he decided to join the Diocese of Lubbock, Texas. He was sent to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary for two years to finish his degree in Philosophy. His bishop sent him to St. Mary's Seminary in Houston, Texas to complete his formation and Theological studies. In 2017 he was ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Lubbock. He served as a parochial vicar for two years before being made a pastor. He continues to serve as pastor within his diocese.

I am a Roman Catholic priest in a diocese in Texas. I wrote "Praying With Our Sorrowful Mother" because I was personally struck by the immense sufferings that our Lady accepted during her life. She is the model for each of us as Christians striving to unite our souls, our sorrows, and our entire lives to the Jesus Christ. Through her torments we get a beautiful view of her interior holiness, her perfect virtues, and a greater appreciation for all the our Lord suffered. The more we know her, the more we love Him. The more we know Him, the more we love her. My hope is that this little book can help Christians fall in love with the Blessed Virgin all the more and seek to follow her example as she leads us all to a greater relationship with the King of Kings.

I wrote "The Saving Power of Suffering" because I often encounter parishioners who are really struggling with their trials and all the sadness in their lives and in the world around them. My heart goes out to them. I wanted to develop a resource that can answer some of their questions and give them some practical steps to better use their sufferings for their spiritual growth. I wanted them to find the goodness of God in the midst of their suffering. Although it may be more difficult for us to experience the love of God while we endure difficulties, He is still with us and present. Therefore, this book's aim is to introduce sound Catholic doctrine and essential practical steps into the lives of Catholics for their spiritual enrichment.