During the ceremony, Fathers Burns and Hernandez took the Oath of Fidelity by placing their right hands on the Book of the Gospels, publicly affirming their commitment to the Church and the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

The word “incardination” comes from the Latin word cardo, meaning “hinge.” “Just as a hinge permanently connects a door to its frame, incardination permanently connects a priest to a diocese and its people,” Bishop Parkes said.

Through this sacred commitment, Fathers Burns and Hernandez are now permanently rooted in the local Church of Saint Petersburg and entrusted to continue serving the faithful here for years to come.

Father Andrew Burns, who currently serves as Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, has deep ties to the Tampa Bay area. Originally moving to Florida at the age of nine, he later attended Florida State University before discerning his vocation while living in New Jersey. For him, the decision to become incardinated into the Diocese of Saint Petersburg was deeply personal and centered around family and community.

“A big part of this decision was about being closer to immediate family,” Father Burns shared. “My parents, my older siblings, and my nieces and nephews were a big part of it.”

His father, Deacon Scott Burns, serves locally in Lutz at the St. John XXIII residence, making the Diocese of Saint Petersburg not only a spiritual home for Father Burns, but also home to many of his loved ones.

“I’m so grateful to be here. Bishop Parkes was so gracious in welcoming me here,” he said. “The people I encountered through Christ the King and the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle are so wonderful. There is a wonderful family in this diocese in addition to my immediate family. It’s kind of like an extended family of God that makes me feel so connected here.”

Father Francisco Hernandez, currently serving as parochial vicar at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa, also celebrated this important milestone surrounded by loved ones, including several family members who surprised him by attending the ceremony.

Originally ordained in the Dominican Republic and having previously ministered in Puerto Rico, Father Hernandez has served in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg for the past 10 years. Known for speaking Spanish and Portuguese, he ministers to the diverse and vibrant community at St. Paul Parish.

“I have been here for 10 years and it’s a joy to be here with the people,” Father Hernandez said. “It’s a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to working hard and serving the community.”

As the Diocese of Saint Petersburg welcomes Fathers Burns and Hernandez more fully into the diocesan family, we give thanks for their vocations and their willingness to dedicate their lives to serving the people of God in our local Church.