Q&A with Deacon Christopher J. Pujol

Bishop Larry J. Kulick, JCL, will ordain Deacon Christopher J. Pujol  to the priesthood in the Diocese of Greensburg June 4 at 10 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg.

Deacon Pujol is a native of New Kensington where his home parish is Mount St. Peter Parish. He is the son of Laurie and Rick Pujol and the youngest of his siblings, Rebecca and Andy. He also has two nieces, Harper and Lydia.

Deacon Pujol holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations with a minor in peace, justice and conflict resolution from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. He earned a master’s degree in philosophy from Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe. He earned a Master of Divinity degree at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, where he is completing a master’s degree in theology.

Did you have a job prior to entering the seminary?

I had a variety of internships before entering the seminary. I worked in the Office of International Programs at Duquesne University. I also spent time with an internship at The International Trade Administration, Pittsburgh.

Tell us about some of your hobbies.

I studied abroad my sophomore year at Duquesne in Rome, and I have had the travel bug ever since. I enjoy traveling and almost any adventure. I also enjoy spending time in the outdoors, studying language, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. In terms of extended family, our major heritages are Italian and Cuban, so when we gather for family parties and holidays, it is always a great time with lots of laughter, fun and food.

What do you look forward to in becoming a priest?

I look forward to being able to offer the Sacrifice of the Mass for the good of our people, making present Christ in whichever community I will serve and especially to be able to offer the mercy and forgiveness
of God to His people through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Who would you say has been your biggest mentor throughout this process and why?
I think my biggest mentor has been Monsignor Michael J. Begolly, as he has been my parish priest for the last 16 years (up until this year). His dedication to the Church and his constant pastoral commitment to the people entrusted to his care have always been inspirational to me. He is always willing to put the Gospel into practice by being a doer of the Word and not a hearer only.