Following my ordination to the priesthood, I celebrated by first mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe, on June 19, 2021. I had spent three years in San Diego as a Jesuit priest in training, and I was inspired by the love from the people at OLG, the sense of community, and the deep-rooted faith traditions that breathe hope into the complex realities of the modern world. Little did I know then that a year later, in 2022, I would be assigned here as Associate Pastor. My four years here come to an end today, September 6th.

I can honestly say that I could not have imagined a better place to learn to be a priest. This community – all of you – inspired me with your generosity and authentic faith. You have given me the space to be who I am, and have accepted me, despite my imperfections. I can say with honesty that at OLG I have found a place where I feel at home.

At my first mass, many of you who were present received my ordination prayer card. On that card, there is a prayer I chose, written by Fr. Jack Morris, S.J., founder of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. The prayer reads as follows:
Mighty God, Father of all, Compassionate God, Mother of all, bless every person I have met, every face I have seen, every voice I have heard; bless every city, town, and street that I have known, bless every sight I have seen, every sound I have heard, every object I have touched. In some mysterious way these have all fashioned my life; all that I am, I have received. Great God, bless the world.

Every time now in my life that I read that prayer, you will all be included. The tamales and champurrados shared together. The masses we have celebrated together. The stories you have shared with me, with open hearts. The dances of the “iguana” and “caballo dorado” that we have done together. The newly arrived migrants we have shared meals with. The Eucharistic processions that have united us. Wherever our path take us, you all now are part of my story. I carry you all in my heart as I head to South Africa over the next six months, and wherever I end up after that. Bless each and every one of you. And thank you from the bottom of my heart.