Diverse cultures, languages and people are what drew Haitian-born Father Gesson Agenis, 37, to be a priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn.
New Priests
Father Yvon Aurelien
Father Yvon Hector Aurelien felt called to be a priest since he was 14 years old. After a long path, he can become what God intended: a priest who is there for His people.
Father Ralph Edel
Father Ralph Edel, 25, is looking forward to being a joyful priest, who radiates the fact that his encounter with Jesus Christ has transformed him.
Father Lukasz Kubiak
Polish-born Father Lukasz Kubiak, 38, always loved the idea of having a big family, but never expected it would include over a million people in a diocese 4,000 miles from home.
Father Uririoghene Melchizedek Okrokoto
Whatever God places before Nigerian-born Father Uririoghene Melchizedek Okrokoto, 28, he will use it to give God glory. In fact, his first name means “the glory of God.”
Father Jaroslaw Szeraszewicz
Four days before his 36th birthday, Father Jaroslaw Szeraszewicz will follow in the footsteps of his hero, Pope St. John Paul II, and be ordained to the priesthood.
Bishop Notes Challenges for New Priests
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio ordained 10 men to the priesthood for the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens on Saturday, June 27 at St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Prospect Heights. He was joined on the altar by Auxiliary Bishops Raymond Chappetto, Octavio Cisneros, and Paul Sanchez; retired Auxiliary Bishop Guy Sansaricq; and Bishops-elect James Massa and Witold Mroziewski.
Father Alexander Piñacue
Following a long journey to the priesthood, Father Alexander Piñacue, 49, looks forward to working closely with parishioners and being a witness of faith.
Father Rafael Jason Perez
Brooklyn native Father Rafael Jason Perez, 29, looks forward to “being able to encounter, serve and love Christ in God’s people.”
Father Mark Matthias
Father Mark Matthias, 51, was inspired by St. Augustine’s words, “Late did I love thee, Oh Lord.” Like St. Augustine, Father Matthias discovered God’s plan after life took in him different directions.
