Soon-to-be new priests share hopeful messages
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., archbishop of Newark, will ordain five men to the priesthood during the Rite of Ordination on Saturday, May 28, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. As is tradition, afterward, the Cardinal will meet individually with the new priests and give them their parish assignments.
Jersey Catholic caught up with the five priests-to-be recently and asked them what message they’d like to share with members of their future parish? Their responses are below.
Roberto Julio Moreno Andrión
Many times, we spend a lot of energy and effort trying to find happiness here on earth, and at the end, we just find ourselves tired. Jesus tells us: “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28). Jesus is our true source of rest, the most we can spend time dwelling in his self-giving love, a love that does not demand anything back from us, we find rest, and we are restored to what we truly are, beloved sons and daughters of God.
Matthew Gonzalez
In His providence, God has called each one of us in particular ways to the fullness of life! In that same providence, our gracious God has joined us together. I pray that I may faithfully live out my vocation so that I may, with all of you, grow closer to the heart of Jesus Christ, from which every grace and blessing flows.
At the core, what I desire to be for each of you is a servant and shepherd. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may our journey together be one of joy, peace, and charity. Please pray for me that I may be for you an instrument of Jesus Christ, our Eternal High Priest, given up for you.
David Hinojosa
When I was young, I asked my father why we could not afford to have a family car or own our house like all of my friends did. He told me, “because I’d rather work 40 hours a week and enjoy my family than work 60 or 80 hours a week and have the car and the house but never see my family.” And there was not one day that we went hungry. There was not one day that we were homeless. I am the fourth child of a tiny heroic mother who gave birth to seven children (and lost one), all through c-section. She did this because these were the children that God decided to give her. My parents, like all of us, are sinners, but it was these two facts that safeguarded my faith even in my worst moments of crisis and doubt.
This is why my message to my future parish is this: Faith in the providence of God is essential to every home. The world needs Christian families! The battle begins at home, don’t settle for easy and comfortable. Rather, “strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” Mt. 6:33
Peter Jacob Volz
I would like to say to the members of my future parish that I am first and foremost a sinner who is loved by God. I have experienced His love, and I am amazed that the Lord has found me worthy to work in his vineyard, and I ask for your prayers that I may be a holy priest.
Ashton Ignacio Francisco Wong
Hey guys. As you can see…I’m new to the priest thing…so any help will be greatly appreciated – prayers especially; if you remember or have the time, send a few “Hail Marys” my way – I most certainly need it!
I hope to serve you with the same zeal and love that the Church has served me through all these years of formation so that you and your loved ones can experience what I’ve experienced: a meaningful encounter with the Risen Christ who is able to do the impossible in our lives if we allow Him.
All are welcome to join in prayer and watch the livestream of the Rite of Ordination on the archdiocesan YouTube channel or Facebook page.
To learn more about the call to the priesthood, visit the Office of Priestly Vocations of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Featured image: The five men to be ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Newark on May 28, 2022 from left to right: Roberto Julio Moreno Andrión, Peter Jacob Volz, David Hinojosa, Matthew Gonzalez, and Ashton Ignacio Francisco Wong.
