Priest Ordinations 7 M E N T O B E O R D A I N E D O N M AY 2 1
Chibueze Asiegbulem I was born and raised in Nigeria, the fifth son in a family of four boys and one girl. I migrated to the U.S. on May 8, 2016. I was a student of University of Dayton before I started discerning a priestly vocation with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. I am the only one among my siblings outside the shores of my country. My home parish is Immaculate Conception in Dayton. My call to the sacred ministry began when I was an altar server. As a result of my early vocational call, my parents supported me, and at age 12 was offered admission at Maria Mater Ecclesiea Seminary, which is similar to high school. Rectors in Nigeria have been my mentors along my journey to the sacred priesthood. Father Anselm Anukam of blessed memory was a good mentor to me. I look forward to celebrating the Eucharist with the people of God and making myself readily available as God’s instrument for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. My favorite devotion is to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I like to watch and play soccer. 1 2 | THE CATHOLIC TELE GRAPH
Uriel Santos Garcia I was born in Mexico into a Catholic family and have one brother and sister. My first catechist was my dear grandmother, a significant influence on my spiritual life. She encouraged me to embrace the Catholic faith and serve as an acolyte in my childhood, which is when I began hearing a call to the priesthood. I keep my home parish of Santiago Apostol very close to my heart. My mother lives in Middletown, and through her I felt a second calling: to serve the Latino population in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as a sacred minister. I was blessed to have an exceptional mentor named Mariano Cortes who led the acolyte ministry at Santiago Apostol and taught me proper liturgy and prayers. Even today he remains an influence in my life. He is steadfast in praying before the Blessed Sacrament and offers a holy hour once a week just for my vocation. I look forward to administering the sacraments of healing, particularly of reconciliation and anointing of the sick. I feel a special calling to the infirm because I have endured my own illness. In this way, I also see my sickness as a blessing and gift from God, as an example of how God brings good out of suffering.
