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Celebration of the Priesthood
By a happy coincidence Fr. Francisco Sandoval, OAR, celebrated his First Mass as a newly ordained priest on Sunday, May 30, 2004, the same day that Fr. James McGuire, OAR, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. What a wonderful testimony to the continuity of the priesthood of Jesus Christ and of the charism of the Augustinian Recollects, which span the generations! Fr. McGuire was ordained at Sacred Heart Church in Suffern, New York, on May 29, 1954. Three thousand miles away and fifty years later Fr. Sandoval was ordained to this same priesthood. The two are now brothers as Augustinian Recollect priests.
Fr. Jim was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but was assigned over the years to most of our ministries in Nebraska, New York, Connecticut, and California. He was the first American provincial (regional superior) and the first American general (general superior) for the Augustinian Recollects. He earned advanced degrees at Catholic University in Washington, DC, and at Columbia Teachers' College in New York City. He has spent time in teaching, in administration, and in parish work. He is currently active in hospital ministry. Fr. Jim has always tried to keep informed about the latest developments in the Church. Personally, he is witty and humorous, and never without a good story to tell. He is a hard worker and generous and gracious toward the people whom he serves.
Fr. Francisco was born in Los Reyes, Michoacán, Mexico, and came to the United States along with his family, seeking a better way of life. He learned English and graduated recently from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. Fr. Francisco's first assignment will be at St. John Parish in the Bronx, New York, where he will be attending to a mixed congregation of both Spanish and English-speaking parishioners. He is happy and excited about his new work. Fr. Francisco is a long-distance runner and has won numerous awards in various marathon runs. He brings the enthusiasm and energy of his youth to the service of the Church and has expressed interest in both parish work and vocational promotion. Something special happens in a religious community where both the younger and the older members work together. The young bring joy and hope, and the elders offer experience and wisdom. This combination can harmonize and compliment each other despite the challenges of the "generation gap." A religious community, like a family, is not always free from disagreements and conflicts. Unity cannot be taken for granted, but requires respect and compromise from all. The Augustinian Recollects are a religious family embracing many personalities, cultural differences, and age groups. It is through the grace of God and the good will of those who form our community that we can give the example of fidelity, of fraternal charity, and of mutual forgiveness that is such a great part of our ministry to the world of today.
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