Pictured are (left to right): Rev. Erik Sanchez, C.M. ’16C; The Most Reverend Alfonso Cabezas, C.M., Bishop Emeritus of Villavicencio, Colombia; Deacon Walner Diaz, C.M. ’17C; and Very Rev. Stephen M. Grozio, C.M., Provincial Vice Chair of the St. John’s University Board of Trustees and Provincial Superior of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission
June 8, 2021
Two recent St. John’s University alumni have advanced in their Vincentian vocation journey.
On Saturday, May 29, the Vincentians of the Eastern Province (Congregation of the Mission) celebrated the ordination to the priesthood for Rev. Erik Sanchez, C.M. ’16C, and ordination to the transitional diaconate for Deacon Walner Diaz, C.M. ’17C.
The Most Reverend Alfonso Cabezas, C.M., Bishop Emeritus of Villavicencio, Colombia, presided over the ordinations that were witnessed by Vincentians from across the Eastern Province. For both alumni, their ordination marks the culmination of a decade of theological study, instruction in the Vincentian charism, and service in Vincentian ministries.
Fr. Sanchez’s first assignment as a priest is to St. Mary’s Parish in Greensboro, NC.
Deacon Diaz has been granted deacon faculties in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, PA, and will remain in formation at the Vincentian Theologate De Andreis House while he prepares for his expected ordination to the priesthood next year. His 2021 summer assignment is working with the Hispanic Evangelization Team in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY.
The University community prays in gratitude for Fr. Sanchez and Deacon Diaz as they transition in their vocations as inspiring leaders of today’s Catholic Church.