Dear Friends of SJV,
I pray this finds you well and enjoying the summer. The halls are quiet here, and our staff is working hard to prepare for the coming academic year. This past month some of our seminarians offered their service toward the 50th Jubilee celebration of Archbishop Emeritus Aquila’s priestly ordination, and the rest of our Deacons were ordained to the Priesthood.
Newly ordained Father Daniel Rivas and Father Luciano Diaz have shared below some of their thoughts as they enter into the first moments of their priesthoods.
Here at SJV we are grateful for your prayerful support of our seminarians.
In Christ,
Fr. Ángel Pérez-López
St. John Vianney Theological Seminary Rector, Fr. Angel Perez-Lopez concelebrated, and several seminarians served at the Jubilee celebration of Archbishop Emeritus Aquila’s priestly ordination.
(Photo by Daniel Petty/Denver Catholic)
The SJV kitchen staff provided barbeque sliders for the Jubilee reception.
Give Success to the Work of Our Hands
In the Book of Genesis, God is revealed as the Creator of the world and humanity. In the Incarnation, the Son of God takes on the humble occupation of a carpenter. In other words, God loves to roll up his sleeves and work with his hands. Since man is created in his image and likeness, he is given a share in that work of God and is seen working with his hands from the beginning: “The Lord took the man and put him in the garden to till it and keep it” (Gen 2:15).
My ordination to the priesthood has felt a similar way. Right after the prayer of ordination, the bishop anoints the priest’s hands and says, “The Lord Jesus Christ guard you and preserve you, that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God.” During the first weeks after ordination, I’ve come to realize more that the Lord has created me and asked me to till and keep the people of God, to protect and grow those he has entrusted to my care.
The hands of a priest perform many actions: they instruct, bless, absolve, consecrate, and build up the body of Christ, the Church. But we as priests cannot forget it is primarily God’s work that we share in, his labor of love that he invites us into. As I begin this new ministry of Christ to bless, heal, console, and sanctify the people of God, I can only think of the words of the psalmist, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and prosper for us the work of our hands—O prosper the work of our hands!” (90:17)
Father Daniel Rivas
Archdiocese of Denver
SJV, Class of 2026
Father Daniel Rivas was ordained to the priesthood on May 10 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver.
(Photo by Daniel Petty/Denver Catholic)
A Life Poured Out
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” -Galatians 2:20
Growing up in the poorest diocese in America, the Diocese of Gallup, I faced many struggles and challenges. Even the Saints saw this need. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta founded the Missionaries of Charity in Gallup to serve the poor, and Saint Katharine Drexel founded St. Michael Indian School in St. Michaels, Arizona, to serve the native community. Although we were financially poor and lacked resources, there was great faith among the people. I have been honored to witness and experience this faith on my journey.
Looking back, I realize my upbringing in the faith and my seminary formation were meant to prepare me for dying to myself. As I lay prostrate on the floor of the Cathedral Sanctuary in Gallup, everything went silent—the choir, the organ, the priest, and the faithful chanting the Litany of Saints all faded away. When I rose, I saw the Sacred Heart at the center of the Altar and the beautiful gaze of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the stained glass above. Now, I no longer live for myself, but for Christ and His people.
I look forward to serving the faithful community of St. Rita Catholic Church in Show Low, AZ. May I be a good and faithful servant, giving myself completely. Never be afraid to give yourself wholly to the Lord.
Father Luciano Diaz
Diocese of Gallup
SJV, Class of 2026
