Diocese gains two shepherds

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Adel Sauceda | STC

Deacons Richard Gutierrez and Ramiro Regalado, Jr. were raised to the sacred order of the priesthood on June 8 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. During the Liturgy, Bishop Michael Mulvey laid his hands on their heads. He then took holy oil and anointed their hands – hands that will hold the Lord in the consecration.

Corpus Christi Cathedral was filled with thanksgiving as the faithful of the diocese came out to witness the joyful ceremony, transforming these men into servants of God. They were joined by families, friends, fellow seminarians, formators, religious sisters and other priests.

In his homily, Bishop Mulvey advised the deacons to continue to pray and never stop searching for God. “The words Jesus spoke at the last supper should be mirrored in your daily lives,” he said.

“You are called to teach. Let what you teach be nourishment for the people of God; let the holiness of your lives bring a light fragrance so that by word and example you may build up the house which is God’s Church. 

“As you celebrate the Eucharist today and the profound mystery of love, let the mystery of self-giving be the standard for the ministry for God’s people,” he said. “Do not run from your crosses, because over time these crosses will form you to the person of Jesus Christ.”

After the homily, each man knelt before the bishop and promised to obey him and his successors.

This was followed by the litany of supplication and ordination by the ancient rite of laying on of hands by the bishop. They were vested with their stoles and chasubles by their brother priests and all the priests gave them a brotherly hug.

For their first assignments, Father Richard Gutierrez will serve at St. Gertrude Parish, Kingsville and chaplain to St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center and Chapel at Texas A&M-Kingsville. He will reside at the rectory of St. Gertrude Parish, effective July 1.

Father Ramiro Regalado, Jr. will serve at Most Precious Blood Parish in Corpus Christi and as chaplain to the Diocesan Ministry and Life Enrichment for Persons with Disabilities. He will reside at the rectory of Most Precious Blood Parish, effective July 1.