John Torres: Continuing his walk to the Priesthood from Sao Paulo to Greensburg

By Mary Seamans
Multimedia Journalist
The Catholic Accent

CONNELLSVILLE – Feb. 4, 2023 – Seminarian John Torres took the next step in the process of being ordained a Transitional Deacon this spring in the Diocese of Greensburg on Feb. 4, when Bishop Larry J. Kulick admitted him to Candidacy for Holy Orders at a Mass at St. Rita Parish.

Torres thanked his parents, brother and friends, watching the livestreamed Mass in Brazil, for their support in his journey of faith. He also thanked those present: seminarians, friends he made while attending Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, his adopted family in Connellsville, and the parishioners of St. Rita Parish, his adopted home parish, for their prayers and friendship and for being part of his walk to the priesthood.

Bishop Kulick congratulated Torres and praised him for his great patience.

“You are being prepared. Prepared for something great. Prepared to serve the people of God through Holy Orders,” he said. “I want to thank you for your patience and your spirit of cooperation, your disposition of generosity, and the wonderful example of giving yourself to the will and desire of God, who is working within you. You are helping all of us. You remind us that we need to conform our will to God’s will.”

Bishop Kulick said he is amazed that Torres came to the United States from Brazil speaking no English, even though all of his graduate studies were being taught in English.

“This reminds us all of what we can accomplish if our mind and heart are in rhythm with God’s design and will,” he said.

Bishop Kulick told those at the Mass and those watching from afar that God has called Torres in a special way. Referencing the Gospel of Matthew proclaimed at the Mass (Mt 5:13-16), he reminded Torres that God is not only calling him to be the salt of the earth, but as a deacon and as a priest he will be a great dispenser of the sacred mysteries.

“Help all of us be that seasoning of the world that reflects the uniqueness of Jesus, in a world today that has lost its taste. It is longing to be seasoned and is needing to regain flavor,” he said. “Bring Christ’s love, joy and peace and be his light to all those you meet. We pledge our continued prayers for you, and we pray for all discerning a call to the priesthood, the diaconate and religious life.”