One faith, one diverse family united in Christ
HUNTERSVILLE — Unity amid diversity in the Diocese of Charlotte is on full display as two men originally from Mexico and Uganda begin lives as its newest priests.
Bishop Peter Jugis, himself a native of Charlotte, ordained Father Juan Miguel Sanchez and Father Joseph Wasswa in a joyful Mass June 19. The two relative newcomers to western North Carolina join the ranks of 154 priests – more than a third of whom are men of color – in the diocese, which encompasses more than 515,000 Catholics.
The newly ordained priests expressed deep gratitude to those who helped them reach this most sacred of moments, as Father Sanchez joins Charlotte’s St. Matthew Church to serve as parochial vicar and Father Wasswa assumes the same position at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.
“I will always be grateful to all the people who made my priesthood possible,” Father Sanchez told the Catholic News Herald. “I am looking forward to serving in the Diocese of Charlotte and to grow together in the love of God and neighbor.”
Growing up in a different culture, Father Wasswa said, broadened his outlook and made him appreciate the universality of the Catholic faith – perspectives that will help him in his ministry here.
“I can sort out commonalities and differences, then try to trace that one thing that unites us – our faith,” he said, “There are things in the faith that apply to all cultures. This is one family, no matter where we are.”
With most pandemic restrictions now lifted, St. Mark Church in Huntersville was filled to capacity June 19 with families, friends, clergy and religious attending the two-hour ordination Mass. Attendees included Father Sanchez’s parents and 13 of his 14 siblings from Mexico. Close friends from Father Wasswa’s adopted parish in Salisbury came to offer their support since his family was unable to travel from Uganda.
At the start of the Mass, both men were presented for ordination by Father Christopher Gober, diocesan vocations director: “Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain these, our brothers, to the responsibility of the priesthood.”
The congregation erupted in loud applause when Bishop Jugis formally accepted them for the order of the priesthood.
Both men had a long, circuitous journey to bring them to this moment. Father Sanchez’s earliest years in Mexico were spent on a small-town farm before moving with his parents and siblings to the city of Guadalajara. He came to the United States at 20 and went to work in construction with his older brothers. Despite his lack of a high school diploma, he was encouraged by Father Julio Dominguez to pursue his studies. He earned his high school equivalency diploma before entering formation at the Pontifical
College Josephinum in Ohio. He then joined the few diocesan seminarians selected to study theology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Father Wasswa, one of eight children, came to North Carolina in 2015 to explore a religious vocation to the Benedictine order. He entered the novitiate at Belmont Abbey, but during his time there he discerned a different path as a diocesan priest. He said he simply fell in love with the diocese and its people, and decided to continue his studies for the priesthood here rather than in Uganda. He had already studied for a time at Katigongo National Major Seminary in Masaka, Uganda, before coming to the U.S., so in 2016 he went on to complete his formation at the Pontifical College Josephinum.
"St. Paul writes, strive to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. One body and one Spirit, as you are also called to the one hope of your call: one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
— Bishop Peter Jugis, in his homily message to the diocese's two newest priests
In his homily at their ordination, Bishop Jugis reflected on the two men answering the call to become priests.
“Dear brothers, Deacon Juan Miguel Sanchez and Deacon Joseph Wasswa, the Lord has called you: ‘Come follow me’ – and you have followed that call by prayerfully and conscientiously preparing yourselves through the years of formation. We have chosen you today for the sacred order of the priesthood.”
“The Lord draws near to us today to consecrate these two men with the grace of the priesthood. They are conformed to Jesus Christ, the High Priest, through the action of the Holy Spirit, and become true priests of the new covenant of salvation,” he said.
The bishop told them: “The grace of the saving passion, death and resurrection of Jesus is to be communicated to the faithful through your priestly ministry.”
He continued, “Your whole being is anointed by the Holy Spirit through this sacrament, with the indelible spiritual character configuring you to Christ the High Priest. What an anointing you receive as Christ’s priests!”
Bishop Jugis also entreated the new priests to promote unity and peace in their ministry, following Jesus the Good Shepherd as their model.
“St. Paul writes, strive to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. One body and one Spirit, as you are also called to the one hope of your call: one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
After the homily, Bishop Jugis asked the men a series of questions to express their willingness to be ordained priests and fulfill the responsibilities that come with ministry.
Then, one at a time, the men approached the bishop, placing their hands in his to signify obedience to him and to the Church.
The Litany of Supplication followed, during which the men lay prostrate before the altar as Bishop Jugis and everyone gathered at the Mass knelt in prayer and the Litany of the Saints was chanted.
Then they arose and approached the bishop, who laid his hands on their heads. During this most solemn moment of the ordination rite, Bishop Jugis prayed silently over them for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them.
The diversity of the universal Church was evident as dozens of priests of the diocese – some originally from Africa, Asia, India, and Central and South America – then took their turn invoking the Holy Spirit and laying hands on the two men.
During the vesting portion of the ordination rite, the men were vested by people who played meaningful roles in their journey to the priesthood. Father Sanchez was vested by
Father Dominguez, his former pastor and now vicar of Hispanic Ministry for the diocese. Father Wasswa was vested by Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari of Belmont Abbey, who guided him in discerning his priestly vocation.
During Communion each of the newly ordained priests was able to offer the Eucharist, which they consecrated along with Bishop Jugis and the other priests present, to their friends and loved ones.
“I am very grateful for the wonderful support and prayers I have received from the people of this diocese throughout my seminary formation,” Father Wasswa said. “I look forward to serving the people of this diocese faithfully and to help them on our way to heaven.”
— SueAnn Howell and Kimberly Bender, Catholic News Herald. Photos by SueAnn Howell, Patricia Guilfoyle, Liz Chandler Amy Burger and James Sarkis.
RELATED STORY: Holy Hour held for two ordinands June 18
Meet our new priests
Father Sanchez has been assigned as parochial vicar of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte and as assistant chaplain at Charlotte Catholic High School. Read more about him:
Juan Miguel Sanchez
Home parish: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lenoir
Birthplace: Ixtlahuacán del Río, Mexico
Birthday: Dec. 1, 1984
Raised in: Ixtlahuacán del Río and Guadalajara city until age 20, then moved to Charleston, S.C.
Family: Parents Ignacio Sanchez Yañez and Maria Garcia Perez; siblings Rosario, Dolores, Teresa, Pedro, Jesús, Luis, Aurora, Guadalupe, Martin, Ignacio, Leonardo, Andrés, Edith and Lizbeth
College: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Philosophy
Theology: Pontifical North American College, Rome
Summer assignments in the diocese: St. Eugene Church, Asheville; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte; Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Monroe; St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon; and St. Therese Church, Mooresville
CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Sanchez: I like to hike, to do some crafts and art, to draw and to do calligraphy. I also like to cook and do some gardening.
CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?
Sanchez: When I was around 8 years old and I was serving as an altar boy.
CNH: Who has helped you (mentored you) or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?
Sanchez: Father Julio Dominguez (Vicar of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Charlotte).
CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte?
Sanchez: I will always be grateful to all the people who made my priesthood possible. Thank you for being there for me through your spiritual, moral and material support. I am looking forward to serving in the Diocese of Charlotte and to grow together in the love of God and neighbor. I humbly request that all of you keep in your prayers all priests, in particular those who may be struggling now.
First Mass
Father Sanchez offered a Mass of Thanksgiving Sunday, June 20, at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte.Father Alfonso Gamez was the homilist for the Mass in Spanish.
— Photos by Travis Burton
Joseph Wasswa
Father Wasswa has been assigned as parochial vicar of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. Read more about him:
Home parish: Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury
Birthplace: Kalisizo, Uganda
Birthday: Nov. 22, 1988
Raised in: Kalisizo, Uganda
Family: Parents Henry Gideon Kisekulo and Antonietta Namaganda; siblings Florence, John Vinay, Robert, Olivia, Salome, Josephine and Julian
College: St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Katigondo-Masaka, Uganda
Degree: Bachelor of Philosophy
Pre-Theology/Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio
Summer assignments in the diocese: Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury; Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Monroe; St. Ann Church, Charlotte; St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Sylva; and St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Charlotte
CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Wasswa: Soccer, movies, spiritual reading, gardening and board games.
CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?
Wasswa: In fourth grade, I was very close to my parish and extremely loved being at church with priests and seminarians. While in sixth grade, during my confirmation Mass, it was very clear to me that the Lord wanted me to discern the priesthood.
CNH: Who has helped you (mentored you) or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?
Wasswa: My parents, my siblings, my priest friends and in the formation houses I have been to.
CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest of the Diocese of Charlotte?
Wasswa: It is indeed an honor and a blessing to be part of this vibrant and fast-growing Diocese of Charlotte. Thank you to the many holy men and holy women who have dedicated themselves to the service of this great diocese. I have been greatly encouraged by the increasing thirst for the sacred and the pursuit of holiness among the people of the Diocese of Charlotte. I am very grateful for the wonderful support and prayers I have received from the people of this diocese throughout my seminary formation. I look forward to serving the people of this diocese faithfully and to help them on our way to heaven.
First Mass
Father Wasswa offered a Mass of Thanksgiving at Sunday, June 20, at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. Father John Eckert served as homilist. Father Casey Coleman, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, concelebrated Mass. Also concelebrating were: Father Lucas Rossi, Father Britt Taylor, Father John Eckert and Father Jonathan Howell (from Birmingham, AL).New deacons, Aaron Huber and Darren Balkey, along with Sacred Heart deacon James Mazur assisted.
— Photos by SueAnn Howell, Catholic News Herald
The ordination rite explained
Editor’s note: Never attended an ordination before? Here is a helpful guide to the ordination Mass, which was celebrated June 19 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.
What is the sacrament of holy orders?
Holy orders is the sacrament of “apostolic ministry” – that is, how “the mission entrusted by Christ to His Apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time. …” (CCC 1536)
The word “ordination” derives from the word “order,” which is the “appropriate disposition of things equal and unequal, by giving each its proper place” (St. Augustine, “City of God,” XIX.13). Order is used to signify not only the particular rank or general status of the clergy, but also the sacramental act by which they are raised to that status: ordination.
Ordination to the priesthood takes place within the context of the Mass. The rite, most of which dates back many centuries, has several distinct parts, but the essential element is the laying on of hands on the head of the ordinand and the bishop’s consecratory prayer.
The rite of ordination
- Calling of the Candidates: In the ordination rite, after the opening prayers of the Mass and the scripture readings, the presentation of the candidate takes place. The candidate responds, “Present,” (in Latin, “Adsum”) steps forward and makes a sign of reverence.
- Presentation, Inquiry and Acceptance: Bishop Jugis then asks for testimony that the candidate has received proper training and is worthy of ordination. Father Christopher Gober, diocesan vocation director, attests that the candidate is prepared. The bishop then says: “Relying on the help of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, we choose this man, our brother, for the Order of the Priesthood.” The people respond “Thanks be to God,” and also give their approval by a hearty round of applause.
- Examination of the Candidate: After the homily, the candidate approaches Bishop Jugis, who asks him if he is willing to serve Christ and His Church as a faithful priest. The examination concludes with this exchange: Bishop Jugis, “Do you resolve to be united more closely every day to Christ the High Priest, who offered Himself for us to the Father as a perfect sacrifice, and with Him to consecrate yourself to God for the salvation of all?” Candidate, “I do, with the help of God.”
- Promise of Obedience: The candidate then promises obedience to the authority of the Church and to his own religious superiors, as he kneels before Bishop Jugis. Why? The bishop is the head of the local Church. St. Ignatius of Antioch said the bishop is “typos tou Patros” – he is like the living image of God the Father. (CCC 1549) “The promise of obedience they make to the bishop at the moment of ordination and the kiss of peace from him at the end of the ordination liturgy mean that the bishop considers them his co-workers, his sons, his brothers and his friends, and that they in return owe him love and obedience.” (CCC 1567)
- Prayer for the Candidates: Bishop Jugis kneels and invites all of those present to join in prayer for the candidate. This period of prayer includes the Litany of the Saints. The chanting of the Litany of the Saints is an especially moving and memorable moment in the ordination ritual. The candidate prostrates himself before the altar as the prayers of the Litany invoke God’s saving mercy and the intercession of all the saints to send down the Holy Spirit upon this man, soon to be a priest.
The Litany of the Saints is an ancient prayer. The Catholic Encyclopedia says, “It was used in the ‘Litania Septiformis’ of St. Gregory the Great, and in the procession of St. Mamertus. In the Eastern Church, litanies with the invocation of saints were employed in the days of St. Basil (d. 379) and of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus (d. about 270). It is not known when or by whom the litany was composed, but the order in which the Apostles are given, corresponding with that of the Canon of the Mass, proves its antiquity.” - Imposition of hands: This is an outward sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus conferred His priesthood on His Apostles, so too does the bishop and other priests lay hands upon the ordinand. It is the most ancient and universal outward ritual of the Church. “The laying on of hands by the bishop, with the consecratory prayer, constitutes the visible sign” of ordination. (CCC 1538) In this moment, as Bishop Jugis lays his hands upon the head of the kneeling ordinand, he prays silently for the invocation of the Holy Spirit.
All the other priests who are present also join in the ordination ceremony. Each one in turn lays his hands silently upon the head of the candidate. This signifies that they all belong to, and participate in, the one priesthood of Jesus Christ. It is also a sign welcoming the newly ordained into the common brotherhood as priest - Prayer of Consecration: Bishop Jugis prays: “Grant, we pray, Almighty Father, to this, your servant, the dignity of the priesthood; renew deep within him the Spirit of holiness; may he henceforth possess this office which comes from You, O God, and is next in rank to the office of Bishop; and by the example of his manner of life, may he instill right conduct. May he be a worthy coworker with our Order, so that by his preaching and through the grace of the Holy Spirit the words of the Gospel may bear fruit in human hearts and reach even to the ends of the earth.”
- Vesting the New Priest: The newly-ordained priest now removes his deacon’s stole and is presented with the symbols of his new office in the Church: a priestly stole and chasuble. This is called the investiture.
- Anointing of the Hands: Bishop Jugis anoints the palms of the new priest with sacred chrism, praying, “The Lord Jesus Christ, whom the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, guard and preserve you that you may sanctify the Christian people and offer sacrifice to God.” After the anointing with the oil, the priest’s hands are wrapped with a linen cloth. Anointing with sacred oil, or chrism, symbolizes the Holy Spirit. It is another ancient ritual that has Old Testament roots.
- Presentation of the Gifts: After the gifts of bread and wine are brought to the altar, Bishop Jugis gives to the new priest a chalice containing the wine, mixed with water, and the paten holding the bread. These are the sacred vessels used at each Mass to hold the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. As the priest receives the chalice and the paten, Bishop Jugis says: “Receive the oblation of the holy people, to be offered to God. Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate, and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord’s cross.”
- Kiss of Peace: Lastly, Bishop Jugis gives the kiss of peace to the new priest, saying: “Peace be with you.”
The Mass continues as usual, with the new priest concelebrating fully in his first Eucharistic sacrifice, standing closest to Bishop Jugis in a place of honor before the altar. The new priest also helps distribute Holy Communion.
Why does the Church ordain priests?
The rite of ordination is more than an “election” or “delegation” of someone as a priest. The sacrament “confers a gift of the Holy Spirit that permits the exercise of a ‘sacred power’ which can come only from Christ Himself through His Church.” (CCC 1538) The divine grace received through this rite sets these men apart – consecrates them, invests them – within the Church and gives them a unique mission among the People of God.
Why are only men ordained priests?
Jesus chose 12 men as His Apostles, conferring upon them the mission to serve in His place on earth, and the Apostles did the same when they chose others to join and to succeed them. The Church is bound by the choice that Jesus Himself made, so it’s not possible for women to be ordained. Though in earlier times there were several semi-clerical ranks of women in the Church (called deaconesses), they were not admitted to orders properly so called and had no spiritual authority. They ministered to women in particular, in instances where customs called for men and women to remain separate.
An indelible mark
Holy orders is one of three sacraments that have an indelible spiritual character – that is, they cannot be repeated or rescinded. The others are baptism and confirmation. From the moment of his ordination, a priest’s vocation and mission mark him permanently. (CCC 1583)
Like the sacrament of marriage, in which men and women give themselves totally to each other and grow in holiness together, holy orders is directed toward the salvation of others through the gift of oneself. “They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God. … Those who receive the sacrament of holy orders are consecrated in Christ’s name ‘to feed the Church by the word and grace of God.’” (CCC 1534-1535)
A priest acts “in persona Christi” – that is, he acts with the authority of Christ, representing the person of Christ in administering the sacraments and shepherding the faithful – and “in nomine ecclesiae,” in the name of the Church. That doesn’t mean a priest is perfect! That just means that in administering the sacraments, the power of the Holy Spirit is assured.
‘The voice and hands of Christ’
In his 1990 address “On the Nature of the Priesthood,” then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) said: “Jesus gave His power to the Apostles in such a way that He made their ministry, as it were, a continuation of His own mission. ‘He who receives you receives me,’ He Himself says to the Twelve (Mt 10:40; cf. Lk 10:16; Jn 13:10).”
He added, “If Church usage calls ordination to the ministry of priesthood a ‘sacrament,’ the following is meant: This man is in no way performing functions for which he is highly qualified by his own natural ability nor is he doing the things that please him most and that are most profitable. On the contrary, the one who receives the sacrament is sent to give what he cannot give of his own strength; he is sent to act in the person of another, to be his living instrument. For this reason no human being can declare himself a priest; for this reason, too, no community can promote a person to this ministry by its own decree. Only from the sacrament, which belongs to God, can priesthood be received. Mission can only be received from the One who sends, from Christ in His sacrament, through which a person becomes the voice and the hands of Christ in the world.”
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor