Pastor's Pen - May 17, 2015

On Saturday morning, May 16, Deacon Mauricio Fernandez was ordained a Diocesan Priest at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Milwaukee. Although Fr. Mauricio came from Venezuela in his late 20’s, he did his seminary studies here in the Milwaukee Archdiocese with the intention of remaining here and permanently serving as a priest of our Archdiocese. What a blessing that is! Through his initial language studies he became pretty proficient in English.

Three years ago St. Francis Seminary assigned Fr. Mauricio to live at St. Bruno Parish as a student/seminarian for eight months. It was a mutually great experience for the parish and
for Fr. Mauricio. His friendly spirit and openness to people was a joy to witness. The parishioners easily and joyously embraced him as one of the community. Because of that relationship Father adopted St. Bruno’s as his “home parish.” I enjoyed and had the benefit of his good cooking skills in the rectory. There was always too much to eat and he loved putting various herbs in the dishes he prepared to heighten the flavor of the food. It was good!

Once ordained a Transitional Deacon in April of 2014, he served both St. Bruno’s and St. Paul’s Parishes in his liturgical role as a deacon, assisting the priest, proclaiming the Gospel and preaching, while continuing his studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology. In all of his studies he has performed at a very high level.

Now we offer congratulations to Fr. Mauricio Fernandez on his ordination to priesthood. St. Bruno’s Community is honored to be the place of his Mass of Thanksgiving this Sunday, May 17. The prayers of all the parishioners of St. Bruno and St. Paul Parishes go with him as he begins his first
priestly assignment on June 16 at the bilingual parish of St. John Paul II on the Southside of Milwaukee.

Continue to pray for Fr. Mauricio and his classmate, Fr. Dennis, as they go forth to serve our Lord and the Church.
Fr. Ralph