‘Be open, be brave and let God lead you’

Hispanic priesthood vocations

"Vocation is the divine call that always compels us to go forth, to give ourselves, to go beyond” Pope Francis, March 2021


Father Miguel Ayuzo-Ruiz stands as a witness to the growth of the Hispanic Catholic community in recent years. Sunday after Sunday at Father Ayuzo-Ruiz’s parish, Historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church, every space is filled with families, large and small, often featuring babies in their arms or people in wheelchairs.

“We have a solid Hispanic community in our faith,” said Father Ayuzo-Ruiz, parochial vicar at Sacred Heart.

It’s a scene taking place in many locations across the archdiocese. 

“Almost everything here is in Spanish,” said Father Rodrigo Serna after arriving last summer to Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Guymon. “All our Masses are very full. In this sense, the impact is that all the sacraments are performed in Spanish, even though the children of migrants speak English perfectly well and prefer to have the service in Spanish.”

Although Father Ayuzo-Ruiz has 49 years of priestly life and Father Serna only two, they share important aspects. First, they work with vibrant Hispanic communities. And second, they received God's call from a very early age. They also share a concern about the need for more Hispanic priests. 

The number of Hispanic seminarians does not yet reflect the growing Hispanic Catholic community in Oklahoma. 

Currently, the archdiocese has 25 seminarians in formation. Only two are from local Hispanic communities, with another seminarian from Mexico.

“The growth of the Hispanic community is one of the most important realities shaping the future of the Church in Oklahoma,” said Father James Wickersham, vocations director for the archdiocese. “As this community flourishes, the need for priests and religious who can minister in Spanish and understand Hispanic culture grows as well.

“This is both a challenge and a blessing; it’s an opportunity to raise new leaders from within the community who can serve their own people with joy and authenticity.”

Father Wickersham said many Hispanic young men experience competing pressures, supporting their families, navigating education or adapting to a new culture. These factors can make it difficult for them to imagine themselves as priests. 

“Our task is to walk with them patiently, helping them see that their culture, language and faith are tremendous gifts to the Church,” Father Wickersham said.

The archdiocese offers retreats, discernment gatherings and personal accompaniment in both English and Spanish. The vocations office is working closely with the Office of Hispanic Ministry and with pastors of Hispanic parishes to build relationships and invite men to consider priesthood. 

“One of the bright spots in young adult formation in our archdiocese is the local EPJ group – Encuentros de Promoción Juvenil – doing wonderful work in helping young adult Hispanics come to know and serve the Lord Jesus in their lives,” Father Wickersham said.

Erika Martinez, coordinator of Hispanic Ministry, said one of the newest initiatives is from the Altum Institute, which focuses on theological formation and in partnership with Anáhuac Universidad in Mexico.

“We now have 25 students enrolled in a five-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree in theology,” Martinez said.

The most powerful support comes from a loving family that encourages faith and prayer. 

“Parents can speak positively about the priesthood, invite their sons to listen for God’s call, and assure them of their support,” Father Wickersham said.

Said Father Serna, “If a young man feels inclined to the priesthood, that's a good sign. Although there may be different life options in the world, God works in a very funny way and will do everything so that this vocation persists.” 

The biggest obstacle that some young people may encounter today, said Father Serna, is fear – the fear of failure. 

“But we shouldn't pay attention to it because fear never comes from God,” he said.

Father Ayuzo-Ruiz offers another piece of advice to young men.

“If you feel the seed of a vocation to the priesthood sprouting within you,” he said, “entrust yourself in prayer to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you in the process of discernment, so that your vocation may grow and mature.”

Father Wickersham said God doesn’t call people because they’re perfect, he calls them because he loves them and wants to work through them.
 
“When men from our parishes respond to God’s call, they bring a unique authenticity to their ministry,” he said. “They understand the language, customs and hopes of the people they serve, and they can preach the Gospel with both warmth and clarity. These home-grown vocations strengthen the Church and help her remain truly rooted in the life of our local communities.

“Your Hispanic heritage is not an obstacle but a gift that the Church needs today. Be open, be brave and let God lead you.”

Bella Gutierrez is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Photo: (Above) Fr. Rodrigo Serna blessed a family after his priesthood ordination on Aug. 12, 2023. Photo Chris Porter/Sooner Catholic.

Fr. Miguel Ayuzo-Ruiz prayed for people before an apparition play and an Our Lady of Guadalupe festival on Dec. 10, 2023, at the Bl. Stanley Rother Shrine. Photo Chris Porter/Sooner Catholic.
Parishioners attend Mass at Historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. Photos Bella Gutierrez/Sooner Catholic.