Meet Father Agustin Ortega-Ruiz

"You did not choose me, but I chose you." (Jn. 15;16)

I was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and come from a big, big, big Mexican family. I have five brothers and five sisters. Family is very important to me. I grew up in a very loving, caring family.

You probably think I was an altar boy. Well, my friend, "Wrong Answer." I wasn't. When I was 17 years old, I was invited to a party. At this party, I met a seminarian who invited me to play soccer. On that Sunday I didn't have any plans, so I decided to go and play soccer. From there I started getting more and more involved with the seminarians.

I really love my priesthood. Prayer and friendship are two good ingredients for my priestly life. Many times I look at my vocation like a "mystery." God works in mysterious ways. I never thought I would be a priest. My family was surprised when I told them of my desire, but I'm so thankful to God for calling me. Why me? Well, because God loves me so much that He has a special mission for me. Because God loves you, He has a special mission for you, too.

During Holy Week, the seminarians invited me to go with them to la Huauteca, a very poor area in Mexico. I really enjoyed how they were helping people. I saw in their ministry the beauty of serving others.

I came to the United States in 1989, and I was ordained a priest for the Joliet Diocese on June 5, 1993.

For more information on diocesan priesthood contact:

Father Burke Masters

Joliet Diocese Vocation Director

402 S. Independence Blvd.

Romeoville, Illinois 60446

Phone: (815) 834-4004

E-mail: frburke23@aol.com Send message to Fr. Burke Masters

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