Ordination of Juan Carlos Martinez, SS.CC.
It was an especially grace-filled day as Juan Carlos Martinez, ss.cc. was ordained to the presbyterate on July 12, 2025, at Holy Name of Mary Church where he served for many years as Director of Pastoral Ministry.
Bishop Brian Nunes, auxiliary bishop of the region of San Gabriel of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, presided at his first mass of priestly ordination, and led the liturgy beautifully.
The liturgy of ordination to the presbyterate was so rich and profound. For many people it was their first ordination to attend, and they were touched by the beauty.
In the initial prayer there were the words of “Obedience to your will”, choosing to step into the path the God was calling Juan Carlos to.
The first reading (in Spanish) proclaimed by Gaberiella Robledo, a former co-worker at HNM, was of the call of Samuel, who responded to Eli. “Here I am, Lord” (“Aqui estoy” as we heard in Spanish). “Su siervo escucha/ your servant is listening”.
What a wonderful to surprise to have Daniel Estrada, who was a member of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and served at Holy Name of Mary Church, proclaim the second reading from Ephesians 3! “Rooted and grounded in love, have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones...... The breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” expressed the theology and praxis of Juan Carlos, and his formation from service in Southern California and encounter with the Sacred Hearts, and the people of Holy Name of Mary Parish.
Bishop Brian began his homily speaking about the ending of many superhero movies, with the person rescued saying “How can I repay you?”
Bishop noted the “Actitud de gratitud/ attitude of gratitude” in Juan Carlos and his reading selections. “Reconociendo los hechos de Dios/ remembering the acts of God”.
He thanked Juan Carlos for “setting the table for us” in this liturgy shaped by him and his friends, conveying what great things God has done for him, what Jesus is able to accomplish, and how much we are loved”.
God not only loves us but he wants a relationship with us. He gets the ball rolling.
The question is how to respond. Generously.
We see in the gospel passage- the washing of the feet usually heard on Holy Thursday.
You should also should do. That is how we repay the superhero .
Now Juan Carlos is called to the next step in following Jesus.
Bishop instructed Juan Carlos that he was ordained to offer Mass,
Care for sick, and Forgive sins. How you will do?"
"With gratitude ...With joy
... so that other may be inspired to follow Jesus too, to sign up to that kind of life, to
be a leader too, but a different type of leader promoted in the world.... a leadership of service
Being an example they can follow what God has done in them.
Fr. Lane Akiona, ss.cc. provincial, gave his greeting and blessing on behalf of Fr. Alberto Toutin, the Superior General of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He reminded us of our spiritual forebears in our founders, saint, missionaries, other brothers and sisters. "Be like them ...Have courage!"
Padre Juan Carlos spoke after the ordination mass: “ I love this parish community… you inspired me,,,.you transformed me
…Making something beautiful in me out of something broken. Bring each other to the glory of God (the words of Pope St. John XXIII). "
There were many friends, family members, co-workers, parishioners, members of SS.CC. Secular Branch, the deacons of the parish and their wives, young people, Salesian sisters, and South Pacifikans- including Fijians and Tongans coming from San Francisco. 
We are grateful to experience the tremendous generosity, grace, and love of God to give us another shepherd for his people.
