Co-founder of e.l.f. cosmetics to be ordained to the priesthood this month
After more than 20 years of working in the beauty industry, Deacon Scott Borba said his path to the priesthood reflects a transformation he credits to the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to Angeles News.
“I know that our Blessed Mother,” he said, “has brought me into this vocation because of her love for me and for her Son.”
In a 2019 interview, he said that he had previously lived a “perverse life” before experiencing a radical conviction to return to his childhood faith and pursue the Lord.
“I got sucked into the Hollywood lifestyle,” Borba said. “It was almost to a point where I was trying to sell my soul for all of the riches of the world.”
However, Borba felt a sudden conviction to turn away from worldly pursuits, saying he felt called to give away his possessions, beginning with his luxury vehicles, and, ultimately, to surrender everything, according to Angeles News.
Borba also said that at the start of his career, he prayed for success in pursuing his dreams, promising that he would give God his “life and service.” He said he ultimately answered that call to the priesthood in 2016, entering the seminary at age 42.
During his discernment, Borba said he has “never been more full of joy,” adding that his relationship with the Lord surpasses all that the world could offer, according to Angeles News.
“With everything the world can give me,” he said, “I would give it back a million times over to be united to Jesus.”