Deacon Robert Barros-Bailey resides on the picturesque island of São Jorge in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. He shares his life with his amazing wife of over thirty-five years. Together, they are proud parents of two adult daughters, Teresa and Rachel. While Teresa and Rachel are originally from Idaho, his wife is a native of the Azores, and Robert hails from Washington, D.C.
Throughout his nearly four-decade career, Robert has worn many hats: serving as a Naval Intelligence Officer, an executive for the Boy Scouts of America, and a municipal city clerk in Boise. His spiritual journey culminated in his 2012 ordination as a deacon in the Roman rite. He retired from active ministry in 2022, having served as the director of deacons for the Diocese of Boise. Today, in retirement, he immerses himself in coffee roasting, managing their family bed-and-breakfast, practicing organic gardening, engaging in theological studies, and exploring the world through travel.
His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in physical oceanography from Old Dominion University (1984), and master’s degrees in public administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, and in pastoral theology from Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota.
The Contemplative Deacon 