Where did you grow up?  Describe your childhood and your family.

I grew up in Seffner, FL, which is outside of Brandon. I was the second of five boys. Being the second-oldest child I was constantly helping my parents with my younger brothers. They were nine to twelve years younger than I was. I would watch my little brothers when my mom and dad went shopping and would feed them and change their diapers when they were infants. My little brothers could be a handful, but I was happy to help my parents when they needed my help.

When I was 16, I started working at U-Save Grocery Store. This helped pay my way through college. I graduated from Brandon High, Hillsborough Community College, and The University of South Florida. I got my B.A. in Social and Behavioral Science. It was after I graduated from college that I decided to enter into the priesthood.

What are your hobbies or personal interests?

I enjoy traveling. I have been all over Europe, the United States, as well as the Holy Land. I also enjoy interacting with others. This is why I like to visit close friends. 

Why did you become a priest? How did you know you were called to be a priest?

To be honest, I wanted to make a difference in the world. I was attending morning Mass, praying to God, asking what my vocation was– how could I serve Him and help others? I really did not know I wanted to be a priest until I entered into the seminary. 

I really enjoyed life at St. John Vianney and St. Vincent de Paul Seminary. I went in not knowing exactly what was in store for me, but there were no strings attached when I was entering the seminary. 

My one concern was the cost, but they told me that since I had already graduated, I did not have to pay for tuition. Because of this, doors were opening for me. As soon as I entered I was hooked. I enjoyed the classes, the formation, and everything involving seminary life. I felt comfortable, which is why I knew God was calling me to religious life.

Is there someone who had a big influence on your vocation?

Fr. James Lara, my pastor at Nativity, who got me in contact with the vocation director at the time.

Fr. Dennis Hughes, who helped me in my seminary formation.

My spiritual director, Monsignor Fred Helduser who helped me spiritually when I had some difficult moments in the seminary.

Fr. Filipe Estavez, who was my rector at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, who was always there when I needed him.

What has been your favorite part of being a priest? 

That is hard to say. I enjoy all different aspects in the priesthood. Whenever I help someone in counseling, preparing couples for marriage, helping people with a funeral giving them peace and comfort saying goodbye to a loved one, I enjoy everything about ministry. Every day is different. This is why I enjoy being a diocesan priest. Whenever I feel that God has used me and I feel I help someone find peace, then I feel fulfilled. I could write a book on the different ways I feel that God has blessed me as a priest. This ministry is very rewarding and I also feel recharged when I am on retreat or convocation, being with my fellow priests.

Do you have a favorite Sacrament?

I enjoy every Sacrament. I especially enjoy celebrating Mass and receiving The Eucharist. I enjoy receiving the Lord in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, there is such a healing knowing God has forgiven me. 

Who is your favorite Saint and why?

Saint John Vianney. He also struggled in school and he became a good pastoral priest. I hope I can truly imitate him. He was very compassionate. Like Saint John Vianney, I had to work hard to get my A’s, B’s, and C’s.

What is something that people might not know about you? 

I make the best award-winning Cincinnati Chili. I have a poster to prove I won a chili cook off.

As you celebrate your 40th year of priesthood, what stands out as something significant you have experienced as a priest over the years? 

Despite my mistakes, people have supported me. People are there to help you when you need them. Most people know that as a priest, you are trying to make a difference in the world. As a result, they are there to help me. Deep down inside, I believe that people truly care for priests. I would like to believe that I am like a first responder and people appreciate the priesthood and religious life. Sometimes people smile at me especially when I am wearing a collar. 

What is something you look forward to in your priesthood in the years to come? 

I hope I can serve the Lord as long as I can. I would like to serve as a parish priest way after I have been ordained 50 years, provided I am in good health.

Is there anything else you would like to share with those reading this? 

I feel that I have been truly blessed. God has guided me during these 40 years. I know my limitations and despite my limitations, I feel that I have accomplished many things. This shows that God can use a person like me with my limitations, like He did the Apostles.