Contributors: Adel Sauceda, Cecilia Fuentes, Deacon Jim Craig, Deacon Javier Ebertowski, Deacon Luis Lozano Jr., Sr. Mary Claire Strasser, SOLT
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INSIDE
4 | INTERVIEW WITH OUR BISHOP MICHAEL MULVEY : A New Love for the Eucharist
6 | ENTREVISTA CON NUESTRO OBISPO MICHAEL MULVEY: Un nuevo amor por la Eucaristía
8 | THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE GOES ACROSS THE U.S.: Walking with Jesus Through our Diocese
10 | ARRIVAL IN KINGSVILLE: Encounter Night and the first procession
12 | WALK WITH JESUS SOME EXTRA MILES: Facing the South Texan heat on the road to Bishop
13 | ROBSTOWN: Holy Hour, mingling with parishioners and a procession with all Catholic students
15 | MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD PARISH: Encounter Night with Bishop Mulvey
16 | IN THE HEART OF THE CITY: A packed Cathedral and around 1,000 people in the Eucharistic Procession through downtown Corpus Christi
18 | A GLIMPSE INTO A PERPETUAL PILGRIM’S LIFE: Service Day at Mother Theresa Shelter and at the Beach, and a visit to the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration
People accompanied the pilgrims despite the heat
The perpetual pilgrims on the San Juan Diego Route
19 | MEMORIAL DAY IN REFUGIO: Send-off to the Diocese of Victoria
20 | INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF ST. DAMIAN OF MOLOKAI: Deacon Jim Craig felt the call to priesthood in his early teens
21 | “ALLOWING GOD TO WORK IN ME”: Volunteers taught Deacon Luis Lozano service, love and prayer
22 | MY UNLIKELY JOURNEY TO THE PRIESTHOOD: From being bribed to go to Church to the Transitional Diaconate
23 | “LORD, I GIVE HIM TO YOU”: Richard and Liz Ebertowski didn’t expect their son’s vocation – but they are pleased about his choice
24 | CALLED TO SERVE: Three new deacons on their way to the priesthood
29 | FROM BOWLING GREEN TO BELIZE TO DISCERN: Father Joseph Spears, SOLT, left his home country to discover his vocation
30 | A HEARTFELT YES: The Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity has a new priest
32 | INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY: Congratulations, Class of 2024
34 | SAINT JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL: Congratulations, graduates of 2024
ON THE COVER: Eucharistic procession in Violet, Robstown
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Bishop Michael Mulvey and the staff of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources are committed to assisting those who have faced abuse of any kind. For immediate assistance, support, and referral information, please call Victim Assistance Coordinator Stephanie Bonilla at (361) 693-6686.
El obispo Michael Mulvey y el personal de la Oficina del Medio Ambiente Seguridad y Recursos para Niños y Familias están comprometidos a ayudar a aquellos que han sufrido abusos de cualquier tipo. Para asistencia inmediata, apoyo e información de referencia, llame al Coordinador de Asistencia a Víctimas Stephanie Bonilla al (361) 693-6686.
In the spirit of proper stewardship, the Diocese of Corpus Christi encourages reporting any financial abuse concerns or related issues. Report confidentially to: financialconcerns@diocesecc.org
En el espíritu de una administración adecuada, la Diócesis de Corpus Christi alienta a informar cualquier inquietud de abuso financiero o problemas relacionados. Informe confidencialmente a: financialconcerns@diocesecc.org
Bishop Mulvey ordained SOLT member Fr. Joseph Spears to the priesthood.
INTERVIEW WITH OUR BISHOP MICHAEL MULVEY
A New Love for the Eucharist
Recently, our diocese had the privilege of hosting the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage for six days. What was your impression?
Bishop Mulvey: Welcoming the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage into our diocese was a profound gift. My first encounter with the pilgrims was at St. Gertrude the Great in Kingsville. It was striking how “joyfully” they seemed. Some were navigating college life, while others were stepping into the workforce; they hailed from different corners of the country and didn’t know each other before—but they were united. Their unity, born out of shared devotion, was palpable and inspiring.
Perhaps we are not always aware of the Eucharist’s effect to create community during our weekly gatherings for Mass in our parishes. Their sacrificial commitment, dedicating three months of their lives to this pilgrimage despite the sweltering summer heat of South Texas, left a mark on me.
It spurred me to delve deeper into the unifying power of the Eucharist. Each one of them inspired me with their personal witness, especially during
the moments of fellowship after adoration. Their profound connection with the Eucharist ignited within us a renewed love for this sacred sacrament. Their peace and joy pointed to their love for the Lord’s true presence in the Eucharist.
The enthusiasm of the perpetual pilgrims was contagious! What can we do to keep our devotion to the Eucharist constantly renewed and alive so that it doesn’t become a routine?
Bishop Mulvey: The contemporary Church emphasizes the importance of being “intentional disciples.” This means delving deeper into our reasons for attending Mass. We should recognize each Sunday that this is more than just a ritual. It is a memorial that Jesus Himself instituted to remind us of what God has done for us. The Eucharist reveals God’s endless love for me and points to eternal salvation.
When reflecting on this mystery, I am struck by the surroundings when Jesus gave us the Eucharist. There are four points in the Gospels that enhance the institution of the Eucharist. First, Jesus said, “You are my friends… I do not call you
servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing, but I have called you friends” (Jn 15:14-15).
The Eucharist opens our minds and hearts to grasp the profound reality of what being a friend of Jesus means—that He has shared with us all that He knows. After all, he is the Word Incarnate. Our friendship is much more than “being buddies”—it embodies the divine truth that Jesus, present in the Eucharist, continues to share His life with us.
Second, in St Luke’s Gospel, when asked, “Who is the greatest?” Jesus says to us, “I am among you as one who serves” (Lk 22:27). The Eucharist is the most significant moment in which God serves you, me and all humanity. Giving His life is an act of God’s service to us and a call for us to embody service in every facet of our lives—within our families, workplaces, or communities, and especially among the marginalized. I am called to serve, and the Eucharist shows me both the path and the measure by which I am to serve.
The third is the new commandment. In the 13th chapter of St. John’s Gospel, right before the Passover, Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (Jn 13:34). He doesn’t simply command us “to love the poor” or “love your enemies,” but to “love one another.” This simple directive often proves difficult because we have allowed ourselves to be divided along political, social, and racial lines. When that is felt in the Church on Sunday around the Eucharist, we are probably not going to experience the true understanding of who Jesus truly is.
We need to come before the Lord without those tags. I am not a conservative Catholic or a liberal Catholic; I’m simply a Catholic. I’m a Christian. I’m a friend of Jesus. If we are aware of that, we can understand and love the Eucharist more.
Finally, at the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. We have to be people who are willing to wash other people’s feet, which means to serve them. In essence, the greatest among us is the one who serves. These four points serve as guiding principles to deepen our understanding and love of Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is not only for us – we are called to carry this gift that we received to the people we encounter, becoming a living sacrament for others. How can we fulfill this calling?
Bishop Mulvey: Mere boasting about receiving communion serves no purpose. Instead, we must let the Eucharist impact our lives, which is to make us more like God and more like Jesus.
As we embody Christ’s teachings through acts of compassion, selfless service, and a genuine relationship with Him, our lives become a testament to the Eucharist’s transformative power. Our deepened connection with Christ inevitably radiates outward, inviting others to explore the source of our profound peace and joy— the Eucharist.
As St Thomas Aquinas wrote, the proper effect of the Eucharist is that it changes the human person into God; we are being divinized each time we encounter Him in this sacrament.
You ordained three deacons this year, which is a joyful day for our diocese. What did this moment mean to you?
Bishop Mulvey: Ordinations represent a sacred continuum—passing on the ministry and the life of Jesus through the sacraments. God willing, these three men will become priests and consecrate the bread and the wine for the community in the Eucharist. But the role of a deacon is to be the least among others, to serve, to be in communion with their bishop, the priests, and the faithful. Knowing that there are three more disciples who are proclaiming the Word of God and focusing on the Eucharist as humble servants is a joy and a blessing for our diocese.
ENTREVISTA CON NUESTRO OBISPO MICHAEL MULVEY
Un nuevo amor por la Eucaristía
Recientemente, nuestra diócesis tuvo el privilegio de ser la sede de la Peregrinación Eucarística Nacional durante seis días. ¿Cuál fue tu impresión?
Obispo Mulvey: Darle la bienvenida a la Peregrinación Eucarística Nacional a nuestra diócesis fue un grande regalo. Mi primer encuentro con los peregrinos fue en Santa Gertrudis la Grande en Kingsville. Era sorprendente lo “alegres” que estaban. Algunos eran estudiantes universitarios, mientras que otros empezaban su experiencia laboral; procedían de diferentes rincones del país y no se conocían antes, pero estaban unidos. Su unidad, nacida de una devoción compartida, era palpable e inspiradora. Quizás en nuestras parroquias, Misas y reuniones no siempre somos conscientes del efecto de la Eucaristía que crea la comunidad. Ver el compromiso y sacrificio de estos jóvenes que dedican tres meses de sus vidas a esta peregrinación, a pesar del calor sofocante del verano en el sur de Texas, dejó una huella en mí.
Me impulsó a profundizar en el poder unificador de la Eucaristía. Cada uno de ellos me inspiró con su testimonio personal, especialmente durante los momentos que compartimos, después de la adoración. Su profunda conexión con la Eucaristía encendió en nosotros un amor renovado por este
sacramento sagrado. Su paz y alegría indicaban su amor por la verdadera presencia del Señor en la Eucaristía.
¡El entusiasmo de los perpetuos peregrinos era contagioso! ¿Qué podemos hacer para mantener nuestra devoción en la Eucaristía constantemente renovada y viva para que no se convierta en una rutina?
Obispo Mulvey: La Iglesia contemporánea enfatiza la importancia de ser “discípulos intencionales”. Esto significa profundizar en nuestras razones para asistir a Misa. Debemos reconocer cada domingo que esto es más que un simple ritual. Es un memorial que Jesús mismo instituyó para recordarnos lo que Dios ha hecho por nosotros. La Eucaristía revela el amor infinito de Dios por mí y apunta a la salvación eterna. Al reflexionar sobre este misterio, me llama la atención el entorno en el que Jesús nos regaló la Eucaristía. Hay cuatro puntos en los Evangelios que subrayan la institución de la Eucaristía. Primero, Jesús dijo: “Ustedes son mis amigos… Ya no los llamo siervos, porque el siervo no sabe lo que su señor, pero a ustedes los he llamado amigos” (Jn 15,14-15).
La Eucaristía abre nuestras mentes y corazones para comprender la profunda realidad de lo que significa ser amigo de Jesús: que Él ha compartido
con nosotros todo lo que Él sabe. Después de todo, Él es el Verbo Encarnado. Nuestra amistad es mucho más que “ser amigos”- ella encarna la divina verdad que Jesús, presente en la Eucaristía, continúa compartiendo con nosotros.
En segundo lugar, en el Evangelio de San Lucas, cuando se le pregunta: “¿Quién es el más grande?” Jesús nos dice: “Yo estoy entre ustedes como el que sirve” (Lc 22,27). La Eucaristía es el momento más significativo en el que Dios nos sirve, a ustedes, a mí y a toda la humanidad. Dar su vida es un acto del servicio de Dios hacia nosotros y un llamado para que encarnemos este servicio en cada faceta de nuestras vidas: dentro de nuestras familias, lugares de trabajo o comunidades, y especialmente entre los marginados. Estoy llamado a servir, y la Eucaristía me muestra tanto el camino como la medida con la que debo servir.
El tercero es el nuevo mandamiento. En el capítulo 13 del Evangelio de San Juan, justo antes de la Pascua, Jesús dice: “Les doy un mandamiento nuevo: que se amen unos a otros. Así como yo los he amado, también ustedes deben amar los unos a otros” (Jn 13,34). Él no nos ordena simplemente “amar a los pobres” o “amar a nuestros enemigos”, sino “amarnos unos a otros”. Esta simple directiva a menudo resulta difícil porque nos hemos dejado dividir según líneas políticas, sociales y raciales. Cuando esta tensión se hace presente en la Iglesia, el domingo alrededor de la Eucaristía, probablemente no experimentaremos de quién es Jesús realmente.
Necesitamos presentarnos ante el Señor sin esas etiquetas. No soy un católico conservador ni un católico liberal; Soy simplemente católico. Soy cristiano. Soy amigo de Jesús. Si somos conscientes de ello, podremos comprender y amar más la Eucaristía.
Finalmente, en la institución de la Eucaristía, Jesús lavó los pies de los discípulos. Tenemos que ser personas que estén dispuestas a lavar los pies de los demás, lo que significa servirles. En esencia, el más grande entre nosotros es el que sirve. Estos cuatro puntos sirven como principios que nos guían en el profundizar nuestra comprensión y amor por la verdadera presencia de Jesús en la Eucaristía.
La Eucaristía no es sólo para nosotros: estamos llamados a llevar este don que recibimos a las personas con las que nos encontramos, convirtiéndonos en un sacramento vivo para los demás. ¿Cómo podemos cumplir este llamado?
Obispo Mulvey: Jactarnos porque recibimos la
comunión no sirve de nada. En cambio, debemos dejar que la Eucaristía impacte nuestras vidas, lo que nos hará más como Dios y más como Jesús. Al encarnar las enseñanzas de Cristo a través de actos de compasión, servicio desinteresado y una relación genuina con Él, nuestras vidas se convierten en un testimonio del poder transformador de la Eucaristía. Nuestra profunda conexión con Cristo inevitablemente irradia hacia afuera, invitando a otros a explorar la fuente de nuestra profunda paz y alegría: la Eucaristía.
Como escribió Santo Tomás de Aquino, el efecto propio de la Eucaristía es que transforma a la persona humana en Dios; estamos siendo divinizados cada vez que lo encontramos en este sacramento.
Este año ordenó tres nuevos diáconos (en transición), ese día trajo alegría a nuestra diócesis. ¿Qué significó este momento para usted?
Obispo Mulvey: Las ordenaciones representan un continuo sagrado: transmitir el ministerio y la vida de Jesús a través de los sacramentos. Si Dios quiere, estos tres hombres serán sacerdotes y consagrarán el pan y el vino para la comunidad en la Eucaristía. Pero el papel de un diácono es ser el más pequeño entre los demás, servir, estar en comunión con su obispo, los sacerdotes y los fieles. Saber que hay tres discípulos más que están proclamando la Palabra de Dios y centrándose en la Eucaristía como humildes servidores es un gozo y una bendición para nuestra diócesis.
THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE
Walking with Jesus Through
BY SUSANNE JANSSEN
It is a historic endeavor that no one could have imagined: to carry out four processions from the four corners of the United States that will come together at the first National Eucharistic Congress in 87 years in Indianapolis. The four pilgrimages marked the U.S. with the shape of a cross, bringing Jesus’ real presence to tens of thousands of people along the way.
It is a unique idea seemingly impossible...to carry the Eucharist in a monstrance to historical landmarks, on extended processions and connecting with many Catholics on the way, promoting a new understanding
and devotion to this sacrament of the True Presence.
In our diocese, the Eucharistic Pilgrimage left a profound impact. It began with the arrival of the perpetual pilgrims at St. Gertrude in Kingsville, with stops in Robstown, Corpus Christi, and Refugio. The seven young people—college students or recent graduates—started the St. Juan Diego route from the Diocese of Brownsville, demonstrating their unwavering dedication. Camille Anigbogu, a music director from Houston; Charlie McCullough, a recent Texas A&M graduate from Austin; Joshua Velasquez from Edinburg, who studies Architecture
More than 1,000 people followed the Eucharist through the streets of Corpus Christi on May 26.
S. Janssen
Through our Diocese
and Theology at the University of Notre Dame; and MacKenzie Warrens, who is pursuing a PhD in atomic physics in Houston, had all lived in Texas before and knew about the scorching heat.
They were joined by Shayla Elm, originally from North Dakota, Issy Martin-Dye from Ohio, Dylan Young, a seminarian from the Archdiocese of Washington D.C., and Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The order committed to ensuring the accompaniment of priests and religious on every branch of the pilgrimage, taking turns—Father Ignatius Shin, CFR, Brother Boniface Mariae, Fr. John Anthony Boughton, CFR,
and Brother Agostino Emmanuel spent some days in our diocese, enkindling a new love and devotion for the Sacrament of the Eucharist.
During many Holy Hours, Masses, processions, extended processions, and encounter nights, these pilgrims shared their dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to follow the Lord, leaving a lasting impact on our diocese.
Thank you for your witness!
Kingsville Great excitement filled the first evening in Kingsville as more than 200 people gathered at St. Gertrude the Great to welcome the pilgrims arriving from the Diocese of Brownsville. In the first leg of their Eucharistic Revival journey to Indianapolis. After Holy Hour, participants had the opportunity to meet the pilgrims in the parish hall, where the parishioners had prepared an excellent meal with much love.
During the Mass the following day, Father Ignatius Shin, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal from Bronx, NY, explained in his homily the reason for their extended procession. He mentioned that their first reason was to pique people’s curiosity. “Many cars are passing by, and people wonder why we are doing this,” he shared. The second reason was so that many people
could encounter God’s love. He shared a personal story about his mother’s second battle with cancer and how her peace during her suffering led to his conversion from a “lukewarm Catholic” to a Franciscan Friar. He also emphasized the importance of sharing God’s love with others. “This is how people encounter God through us – what are you so happy? Courageous? Generous? Because we have God with us.” He invited everyone to share this gift so it is not wasted: “You know how to do it – with a smile, with listening, we can love people in many ways.”
After the Mass, people followed the Eucharist from St. Gertrude to St. Martin of Tours, accompanied by songs and music from the back of a truck. The one-mile route led right through Kingsville, secured by the police and noticed by many.
Parishioners leave the Church to start the procession from St. Gertrude the Great to St. Martin of Tours in Kingsville.
Fr. Ignatius Shin, CFR, celebrated the Mass on Thursday morning.
Many people attended the social gathering after Holy Hour to get to know the pilgrims.
Extended Procession Walk with Jesus for more than a mile: despite the extreme heat, around 25 people accompanied Jesus from Kingsville to Bishop. Thankfully, the Knights of Columbus provided cold water every half mile to keep everyone safe and healthy in 100-degree weather. While the group was walking, sharing, and praying, many people in their vehicles stopped to pray or receive a blessing. Jesus’ presence is a powerful testimony!
Robstown What an impactful day! Around 400 people attended Mass on Friday morning at St. Anthony of Padua in Robstown after a well-attended Encounter Night and Social the previous evening. At Mass, Fr. Ignatius Shin, CFR, reminded everyone that knowing that God loves us must move from our heads to our hearts. Despite the heat, the entire school of St. Anthony joined the one-mile procession to the neighboring parish, St. John Nepomucene.
Corpus Christi Over 250 people attended Holy Hour and Encounter Night at Most Precious Blood Parish, where Bishop Michael Mulvey gave the evening reflection, emphasizing that love is central to Christianity: “Love identifies Christianity. In the Eucharist, we encounter Jesus at the greatest moment of his outpouring of love...
“The Eucharist calls us and enables us to be in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.” According to St. Paul, we must learn to love and care for one another in our communities, parishes, and homes.
During the social in the parish hall, Charlie McCullough shared his reasons for embarking on this extended journey: “This pilgrimage is how I can thank God for everything He’s done for me. He was always with me, even when I didn’t know it.” Charlie described a turning point when he finally decided to accept a friend’s invitation to attend daily Mass in his first year in college: “I received the Eucharist and returned to my pew, and then I suddenly realized the Lord had been with me every step. Every moment of my life has to be a response to His faithfulness.”
The perpetual pilgrims visited the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration.
Bishop Mulvey gave the reflection at Most Precious Blood parish.
Corpus Christi Procession
Mass and Procession at Corpus Christi Cathedral with the perpetual pilgrims of the National Eucharistic Revival: Bishop Michael Mulvey celebrated Mass at 12:30 pm in the packed Cathedral – with over 1,000 people in attendance. In his homily, Bishop Mulvey explained that the Eucharist brings together the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is an expression of God’s
ultimate love for each of us personally. “May the pilgrimage help us to fall more in love with God and the Holy Trinity,” he said. Hundreds followed the Eucharistic Procession through the streets of Corpus Christi, with a stop and a special blessing at the Nueces County Jail. The celebration concluded with Benediction back at the Cathedral.
The perpetual pilgrims at the 12:30 Mass in Corpus Christi Cathedral
Service Day Saturday was a Service Day for the Perpetual Pilgrims—because living a Eucharistic lifestyle means serving. More than 30 teens and young adults from Corpus Christi joined the perpetual pilgrims to bring Jesus’ presence and love to those in need and to care for creation. On this day, half of the group served at the Mother Teresa Shelter while the other half cleaned a
section of the beach on Mustang Island. Additionally, they visited the Farm of Hope—La Fazenda—and the SOLT sisters in Violet, where they met the missionaries and learned about their charism. Fr. Ignatius Shin, CFR, blessed the rooms, the farm, the SOLT sisters’ convent, and the new Motherhouse, which is in construction and will be finished in October.
Refugio The last day in our diocese: A beautiful Mass in the packed church of Our Lady of Refuge Church in Refugio, with Bishop Mulvey and Bishop Michael Sis from the Diocese of San Angelo concelebrating. Bishop Sis explained that being a missionary disciple involves not only sharing the Gospel message but also ourselves.
After the Mass, the procession moved to the church of St. James the Apostle for benediction, lunch, and fellowship.
While it was tough to say goodbye, it was time to bid farewell to our pilgrims, who were continuing their journey to the Diocese of Victoria and their big destination, Indianapolis.
DEACON JIM CRAIG FELT THE CALL TO PRIESTHOOD IN HIS EARLY TEENS
Inspired by the life of St. Damian of Molokai
BY DEACON JIM CRAIG
When the day of my diaconal ordination approached—I look back on my life even as I begin to focus more and more on my upcoming ministry. There is undoubtedly a sense of relief in knowing that this phase of my seminary formation is coming to an end, which cannot help but fill me with much joy as I continue to receive the
affirmation of the Church and God’s people that this is indeed what I am called to do.
It has certainly been a long journey of faith for me, not only from the early desires of my childhood, which were already moving me towards priesthood but in a more focused way from my early teens as I also began to feel a call to the military chaplaincy. I think God had already started to prepare me for this ministry with a natural sense of justice and patriotism, which seemed to more readily convince me to accept this specified area of service to God and Country.
My time studying philosophy at the Franciscan University of Steubenville was also foundational in my preparation for Holy Orders, not only in academic formation but also in large part to my ongoing human and spiritual formation. From there, I began to be fostered in the great spiritual and liturgical traditions of the Church through my time in seminary, where I formed some strong and lasting friendships as I prayed, served, and lived together with other young men, all striving to configure our lives after the pattern of Christ the Good Shepherd.
I found myself inspired by the life and example of St. Damian of Molokai, whom I chose back in high school as a patron and my Confirmation Saint. St. Damian followed God’s call to leave everything behind and devote himself entirely to ministry to a small, largely forsaken community of lepers, which he did faithfully until he died from leprosy himself, some years later.
I knew that I might be called to do something similar – though perhaps less heroic – not only in my service to the Diocese of Corpus Christi but also as I began to undertake some additional ministry with the Archdiocese for the Military Services. It is my hope and prayer that my life can be a force for good as I strive, by the grace of God, to build up the Body of Christ, which is the Church. But I also recognize that this will not be possible without the prayers and support of the Church and Her members, so I ask that you kindly remember me in your prayers so that I can be found as a faithful steward when the Master finally returns on the last day.
Deacon Jim Craig felt called to the priesthood in his early teens.
S. Janssen
VOLUNTEERS TAUGHT DEACON LUIS LOZANO SERVICE, LOVE AND PRAYER
“Allowing God to work in me”
BY DEACON LUIS GERARDO LOZANO JR.
As I was just ordained to the service of God in His Church as a Deacon, I am filled with joy and peace. For several weeks, I have been reflecting on how God has been present in my life all these years, from my acceptance to the seminary through the Diocese of Corpus Christi to my approaching ordination as a transitional deacon. I have also just returned from a weeklong spiritual retreat where I was able to pray, reflect, and sit in the silence of the mystery that is God and where He is leading me.
I started the retreat with some doubts and apprehensions that I could bring forward to the retreat leader, a holy and prayerful priest who spends his days praying and studying Theology and Scripture. As a result of this retreat, I was able to let go of my worries and dare to trust in God in this next stage of my life.
It is not by my efforts that I am here today but that I have allowed God to work in me. And there is no greater peace than knowing that I am following God. And if there is any excitement, it is reserved for Jesus, my love, who draws me closer to Himself each passing day.
This is in my heart now as I approach sacred ordination. It is the outburst of a seed that I believe was planted at my baptism but began to sprout in my first year in college at TAMU-Kingsville. At the Newman Center, I began to discern my vocation. The community is vibrant there, and they respond to each other’s needs in selfless service.
Despite their age and ailments, there are beautiful volunteers who are present for the college students to provide them with a warm meal and a kind smile, looking for nothing in return. These are the people who taught me service, love, and prayer. They created the environment for God to find me and speak to me in the silence of His love. It was here where I first heard the call to the priesthood. They were my second teachers in the faith after my parents.
My father taught me forgiveness, not only because he taught me how to go to Confession but also because there were many times he forgave me and times when I had to forgive him.
My mother taught me patience, kindness, gentleness, and compassion in her daily tasks of
Deacon Luis Lozano finds peace in the knowledge that he is following God.
being my mother. I am grateful to God for them, and I look forward to seeing them smiling at me from the pews. They have supported me every step of the way.
At first, I wanted to be a pharmacist, and my parents supported me in that decision. When I finished my studies in Biology at TAMUK, I knew at that point I wanted to be a priest. My parents supported me and encouraged me. I began at Holy Trinity Seminary, where I studied philosophy for two years, earning enough credits to earn a philosophy degree at the University of Dallas. I am now enrolled at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio in conjunction with academics at the Oblate School of Theology. I will finish the preparation required to be a priest there the following year.
S. Janssen
My Unlikely Journey to the Priesthood
BY DEACON JAVIER EBERTOWSKI
Ioften tell people that I am the least likely person to become a priest. When I give my testimony, I tell people that in high school, If I were to write down a list of 100 possible careers I could see myself doing, the priesthood certainly would not have been a remote thought for me.
Growing up, I intensely disliked going to school and going to Church. My mother often found herself having to convince, bargain, bribe and frequently force me to attend CCD for me to receive my sacraments. As I got older, my dislike for all things Church grew. When I entered college, I embraced the typical secular lifestyle of a college student, balancing academics with a job and weekend debauchery.
One day, an old high school friend found me on campus and invited me to a bible study. I thought, “My life is awesome; I don’t need to go to some bible study.” After much of his persistence, I finally gave in and went. This bible study became a stepping stone to my “reversion” to the faith. Up to this point, I had never encountered the Bible being explained in such an engaging way, with people who were normal and friendly and eager to bring you in as one of their own.
After about a year in this Bible study, I was challenged by an insight into the real presence of
the Eucharist. The Bible study I attended espouses a teaching that sent alarm sirens throughout my soul. I needed to know who was right and what was the truth.
After much reading, researching, and soulsearching, I concluded that I needed to return wholeheartedly to the Church. There was too much evidence, particularly from the Church Fathers, that Christian believers always held that the eucharist is truly the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. I zealously threw myself back into the faith and consumed large amounts of philosophical and theological content. I thought, “If this is true, nothing else matters.”
About six months later, I found myself trying to teach myself something from Khan Academy on YouTube when I received the most bizarre thought ever: “What is a day in the life of a Catholic priest like?” “That’s weird,” I thought. But since I was already on YouTube and could use a little distraction from studying inorganic chemistry, I typed those exact words into the search bar. I watched a video expecting to see a priest sitting down in a church praying all day. However, this video showed something more exciting, but still not enough to get me to “sign up.”
I then left my house and went to work at the health club, where I was a personal trainer. I could not think about anything else but the priesthood for that entire day. I was becoming more and more afraid of what that meant. I already had plans—becoming a physical therapist, traveling the world, having a nice car and owning a big house!
I got home late that night, still unable to shake that thought that had grown and intensified all day. I sat in my room, afraid and unable to sleep. Nothing gave me peace of mind, so I did what I had never done before by myself: I prayed the rosary. Upon finishing the rosary, I experienced a peace I had not experienced in a long time.
It took much more than a single rosary to get me where I am today. I would go on to graduate from college and serve as a missionary in Central America, enter religious life, go on numerous retreats, travel to various countries, and wrestle with God for many years until I finally came to peace with giving God my total, complete and joyful surrender to being His priest. I’m a slow learner, but eventually, I understood what God was doing in my life and how all of my fulfillment would come from Him.
Deacon Javier Ebertowski often says that he is one of the most unlikely people to be called to the priesthood –as an encouragement for other young men to be open to God’s call.
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RICHARD AND LIZ EBERTOWSKI DIDN’T EXPECT THEIR SON’S VOCATION – BUT THEY ARE PLEASED ABOUT HIS CHOICE
“Lord, I Give Him to You”
BY SUSANNE JANSSEN
They didn’t see that come. “When Javier was young, he didn’t like going to Mass. He tried to get away with the minimum of Church, the minimum of praying,” his mother, Liz Ebertowski, remembers. “He even didn’t like most of the music.” Her husband Richard remembers that a priest once would say at the end of Mass, “The Mass never ends —you take it with you.” “Javier took that literally – and was quite shocked.”
Yet they both tried their best. All four of their children went on to become altar servers, and going to Sunday Mass was given—both parents came from families with solid Catholic traditions—Liz was from South Texas, and Richard was born in Poland and went to the U.S. in the 1980s.
Yet, Javier was taking a break from Church during his college years. His parents kept praying, and suddenly, their son found Christian friends and hung out with them at their church’s youth center. “They were good boys and challenged him to think about his faith.”
Richard and Liz regret that they didn’t know more about their faith when their children were young: “We couldn’t answer all of their questions —we were not prepared,” says Richard. Later, when he taught CCD classes, he learned much more while preparing the lessons.
Suddenly, Javier met some Catholics who impressed him and helped him grow more in his faith. He immediately evangelized his own family: “You all need to know your faith better.” This cumulated in one evening when Javier told his parents he had to talk to them and shared that he was interested in the priesthood: “We were surprised, but we were so happy.”
Of course, Liz wouldn’t be a mom if she hadn’t had some thoughts come to her head: “What’s going to happen to him? Priests can be lonely – what will he do when he retires…?” However, she trusted the Lord: “These are worldly concerns – God will take care of him!”
Parents are often sorry that they won’t have grandchildren, but the Ebertowskis are sure that if God calls their son, it’s something joyful: “Every vocation has its struggles and its blessings.”
Liz homeschooled their children for ten years –and a fun fact is that Jim Craig, who was ordained as a deacon alongside Javier and Luis on June 8, was in the same homeschooling group. “He was of the age
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of Javier’s younger sister.”
His siblings had more difficulty believing in Javier’s vocation: “They thought first It was a joke…” He was an outgoing young man who loved to hang out with his friends — and suddenly, he thought of a religious vocation. However, Javier didn’t wait a moment to tell his siblings that they should convert, too, lest they end up in hell, which his siblings didn’t like. “Since then, he softened a lot,” says his mother. The seminary studies and the experiences in the pastoral year, which he spent at St. Pius X Parish in Corpus Christi, provided a wholesome formation. His parents now go to mass daily and pray a lot. “We have so much more knowledge and are more informed,” adds his father. And these prayers will accompany their son to the diaconate and throughout the journey toward the priesthood. “When my children were born, I always said to the Lord, ‘I give them to you’ —and now, with Javier’s vocation, this becomes more real,” says Liz. “We are surprised but very happy.”
Liz and Richard Ebertowski were surprised about their son’s faith journey.
THREE NEW DEACONS ON THEIR WAY TO THE PRIESTHOOD
Called to Serve
BY SUSANNE JANSSEN
The Diocese of Corpus Christi has three new transitional deacons on their way to the priesthood.
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On Saturday, June 8, the Corpus Christi Cathedral was filled with family members and friends who gathered to witness an essential step on the spiritual journey of three young men who walked down the aisle as seminarians and walked out one step closer on their journey to the priesthood. Sitting at first with their families, the three were called to sit at the altar rail during the solemn ceremony, where they took their vows to the transitional diaconate. The three men left as Deacon Jim Craig, Deacon Javier Ebertowski and Deacon Luis Lozano.
Bishop Michael Mulvey reminded them in his homily that they were called to serve and
emphasized the importance of humility. “We can get bigger than we really are.” He shared a story from his bishop ordination, recalling his brother rolling his eyes when he walked down the aisle, grounding him and reminding him that we are all flawed human beings: “It is the original sin — wanting to be greater than God.”
The bishop explained that as deacons, their main tasks are to proclaim the Word, to lead the people in prayer, to baptize and preside over funeral services, and to practice charity as a humble service that reflects God’s love for each person. The bishop recommended to them the Art of Loving found in the Gospel: “to love everyone and see Jesus in each
The three bishops with the three new deacons – and Fr. Alejandro Landin, a Corpus Christi native who was just ordained as a priest in the Maronite rite.
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By prostrating themselves in front of the altar, the candidates express their willingness to give up everything and follow Jesus.
The parents passed their new vestments to the newly ordained deacons.
person’s heart. The ordination continued, with the three young men prostrating themselves before the altar, showing their readiness to serve where God calls them. In the sacred, ancient ritual that dates back to the apostles, Bishop Mulvey laid his hands on them and ordained them in silent prayer.
Each one received the Gospel from the bishop as a symbol of their new role as proclaimers of the Gospel during Mass.
They were vested in their garments, which the families handed over to priests and deacons, signifying their acceptance and support of the new deacons’ roles.
The assembly applauded the newly ordained deacons, who—after mass—blessed family members, friends and the other attendees during the reception at St. Joseph’s Hall.
Three bishops were present at the ceremony: Bishop Michael Mulvey, Bishop Neal Buckon, Auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, and Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody.
Celeste
Lutz
The deacons were busy giving their first blessings to family members and friends in St. Joseph’s Hall.
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The people of God applauded for the three new deacons.
FATHER JOSEPH SPEARS, SOLT, WAS ORDAINED AS A PRIEST
From Bowling Green to Belize to discern
BY SUSANNE JANSSEN
Newly ordained Father Joseph Spears has always been active in his Catholic faith. He is the youngest of six siblings from Bowling Green, Kentucky. After graduating from college with a history degree, he was unsure what would come next. It turned out to be traveling to Belize on a mission with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity.
It was during his sophomore year that Father Joseph first encountered the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT). Two friends invited him on a mission trip to Belize, an experience that left a lasting impression. After his graduation, while on the Camino de Santiago in Spain,, he met a priest familiar with the SOLT mission in Belize who encouraged him to return to the Central American country.
After one year, he considered becoming a priest and contacted a couple of dioceses, “but I never heard back from them… Eventually, a SOLT
priest suggested returning to Belize, this time discerning my vocation.”
The second year in Belize was pivotal for him. Father Joseph says, “I had met some very inspiring religious or priests before, but I didn’t feel comfortable around them. I felt very comfortable with others, but they weren’t necessarily inspiring to me…
With the SOLT, I felt a balance: they were accessible, I could envision myself living alongside them, but they also inspired me to strive for holiness.”
After beginning formation in Belize, he continued here in Texas and then went to Detroit for his seminary studies. Now he is excited about the first assignment.
His whole family joined him for his ordination on June 15 in Corpus Christi Cathedral, right after the SOLT General Assembly of the American region. His first assignment in the community will be in Detroit, Michigan: “I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for me.”
Fr. Joseph Spear, SOLT is originally from Kentucky.
The SOLT community at their General Assembly of the American Region.
THE SOCIETY OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY HAS A NEW PRIEST
A Heartfelt Yes
BY SUSANNE JANSSEN
Just one week after the beautiful ordination of three seminarians of our diocese to the order of transitional deacons, another ceremony took place: Father Joseph Spears, a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), was ordained to the priesthood, by Bishop Michael Mulvey after more than seven years of preparation and studies. Spears’ family, many SOLT members, and friends were present when the bishop laid his hands on his head in silent prayer and anointed his hands with Chrism oil.
In his homily, the bishop highlighted three aspects fundamental to the priesthood today. First, self-knowledge means always seeking what God wants and listening to the Holy Spirit. Second, don’t stay in a closed circle; instead, serve everyone. Lastly, humility is what the world and the Church need today. Following his ordination, Father Joseph Spears bestowed his first blessing upon the bishop and those present at the Cathedral..His first temporary assignment, given to him by the SOLT community, will be in a parish in Detroit, Michigan.
The bishop with priests of the SOLT community, diocesan priests and altar servers after the ordination of Fr. Joseph Spears.
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Bishop Mulvey and all the priests welcome Fr. Joseph Spears. After the celebration, the newly ordained priest gives the bishop the first blessing.
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COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE 2024
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