June 6, 2009
Two new priests ordained to serve diocese
Father Hector Montoya, left, and Father Arthur Najera greet parishioners as they exit the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento May 25 at the conclusion of the ordination Mass celebrated by Bishop Jaime Soto. See more photos, page 3. Cathy Joyce/Herald photo
Bishop Jaime Soto ordained Hector Montoya and Arthur Najera to the priesthood
May 25 in an ordination Mass in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in
Sacramento.
The bishop told the two new priests in remarks at the conclusion of the Mass to dedicate themselves to “knowing the word and sharing the word through both your preaching and practice.”
“Do not neglect the study of the word,” he said. “You must hear the word of God first so that you can synchronize your heart as well as your voice to that of the Good Shepherd who has called you this ministry. The preaching of the word is your primary duty.”
Bishop Soto added that the word of God “first must be for you glad tidings.”
“It must heal your heart, give you liberty, and release you from sin,” he told Fathers Najera and Montoya. “The word you read must bring you the Lord’s favor. Daily open your heart and mind to receive this saving word. You will then share with us the task of giving freely what you have received freely from the Lord. More than just its messenger, you will become a friend of the Word Incarnate, the Lord Jesus. You will know his joy and your joy will be complete.”
Father Najera, beginning June 8, will serve as parochial vicar of St. Joseph and St. Teresa of Avila parishes in Auburn. He will reside at St. Joseph Parish in Auburn.
Father Montoya, beginning June 22, will be in residence at St. John the Baptist Parish in Chico for his pastoral educational placement.
