tvc.dsj.org | June 21, 2016
in the diocese
3
Several Priests Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries
Throughout Santa Clara County and
beyond several priests from the Diocese
of San Jose are celebrating anniversaries
of their ordination to the priesthood.
Monsignor John G. Sandersfeld
marks 50 years as a priest this year.
Meanwhile, Fathers Francisco Miramonte, Robert Kiefer, Jon Pedigo, Rick
Rodoni, Matthew Stanley, Joseph Lieu
Vu and Monsignor Francisco Rios mark
their 25th anniversaries.
Here’s some insight into each of
them. Some pieces are written by them
and some by the people they serve or
who know them well.
Father Lieu Vu
Father Rick Rodoni
This milestone is the
same as it has been
for the past 25 years. I
continue to carry out
my commitment with
God and the Church as
a priest.
My vocation has been ups and
downs. I am looking forward to the
next steps hoping they will take me to
where the Holy Spirit is calling me to.
Father Robert Kiefer
Father Jon Pedigo
I have no feelings one
way or the other about
celebrating 25 years.
I could say that since
I turned 3/4 of a century old this year I never
gave much thought to celebrating a 1/4
century of priesthood.
When I was ordained I had a certain
vision of priesthood, mostly formed by
my seminary experience. I found that it
was vastly different. Priesthood is about
the people you encounter each day. As I
have looked back I find that I am grateful for the people God placed in my life.
My first assignment at Saint Justin was
highlighted by my joy of being with the
late Father Leo Rooney. He was a great
mentor at that time. The staff was always
patient with me as I was growing in my
outlooks about ministry. My assignment
with Fr. Leger at St. Frances Cabrini
was also one of learning and he always
seemed to care and talk with me. The
staffs, parishioners, and friends I have
encountered at my assignments and
personal life have brought great beauty
to my priesthood. (They probably will
have no Purgatory time after putting
up with me.)
God led me down a path which
seems to have ultimately concluded in
my retirement here in Las Vegas where
I am kept busy at Guardian Angel Cathedral. Again, a beautiful assignment,
surrounded with wonderful priests and
staff where the congregation is visitors
from all over the world.
I suppose my regrets are the loss
of my best friend of almost 40 years,
Father Bob Cipriano, in 2012, and then
a few months later the loss of my friend
Father Mark Catalana. I know both are
with Our Lord and that part brings me
great joy.
I can only thankGod for the great
blessings He has given to me in this
magnificent vocation to serve His People.
I have never felt worthy.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish celebrated
Father Jon Pedigo’s 25
Years.
O n May 16, O u r
Lady of Guadalupe
Parish celebrated their Pastor Father
Jon Pedigo’s, 25th Anniversary of Ordination. The liturgy was presided
by the Bishop of the San Jose Diocese,
Most Rev. Patrick J. McGrath. The
homilist was Deacon Ruben Solorio
and there were several vested concelebrants, and clergy with whom Father
Jon works in attendance.
Members of Father Jon’s family
came in from Hawaii to share the celebration. The Offertory Procession
consisted of representatives from
the parishes where Father Jon has
ministered and the gifts brought up
symbolized his unique contribution
to the particular parish.
Prayers of the Faithful were done
by people who are connected to Father
Jon through his ministry in the parish
and his work in Santa Clara County.
A Mariachi band provided the music
for this joyful celebration. Following
the Liturgy