Mass and Celebration – Our Lady of Guadalupe, Charlotte, NC

On Saturday June 18th newly ordained priest, Fr. Walner Diaz, CM along with Fr. Luis Romero , CM, Director of the Eastern Province vocations, journeyed to North Carolina to begin his ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. Along the way, Fr. Walner’s first stop was in Philadelphia to celebrate Sunday Mass with the community of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish where he served during his diaconate year.

During the bilingual mass, the community rejoiced in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the ordination of their pastor, Fr. James Otto CM , as well as the recent ordination of Fr. Walner.

After the final blessing, a side garden fiesta was prepared with good food, music and games for everyone to continue this joyous celebration.

Early Monday morning, June 20th, Fr. Walner and Fr. Luis resumed their journey to the North Carolina arriving
10 hours later at Fr. Walner’s new home, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish- in Charlotte. The day concluded with an evening dinner invitation by the superior of the house, Fr. Hugo Medellin, CM.

On Tuesday, Fr. Walner’s welcoming mass began at 7:00 pm and the celebration afterwards continued to about 10:00 pm. A big crowd attended mass and stayed to welcome Fr. Walner and celebrate this joyous occasion with him.

The next day Fr. Walner was introduced to the ministry of this vibrant community. His priestly journey begins.

Please continue to pray for Fr. Walner, all the seminarians in the USA and in Panama, and ask our Lord to call young men to the vocation of a Vincentian Priest and Brother.

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Who We Are

The Vincentians are a worldwide religious community of priests, brothers, and seminarians following the way of Jesus in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. The Eastern Province extends up and down the east coast with a mission in the Republic of Panama. We serve as parish priests, educators, missionaries, seminary formatters, retreat directors, confessors, and chaplains.

For more information on becoming a Vincentian Priest or Brother, please contact:
Fr. Luis Romero, CM.,
Vocation Director
St. John’s University / St. Thomas More Church
8000 Utopia Parkway
Jamaica, NY 11439
718 990-1823
vocations@stjohns.edu