By Deacon Ricardo Lozano Cruz
First, I want to express my gratitude for your priceless and valuable prayers as I approach my priestly ordination. Your presence in the Church, your thirst for God, and most importantly, your faith, continuingly nourish my desire to serve the people of the Diocese of Camden in many different ways.
Over the years, I have witnessed the abundance of joy and rewarding feelings flowing out from my ministry of service among the people. Serving the homebound and the sick, serving at the altar, learning and having a greater appreciation for the sacraments, as well as being able to celebrate baptisms as a deacon are some of the sources of joy to me during these years of formation. It is truly inspiring to know that I will be able to contribute to the spiritual and physical needs of the people through the practice of a bilingual ministry, too.
Moreover, the celebration of Mass and the Sacrament of Confession at the service of God’s people are the two aspects I am most excited about and looking forward to as a priest. Not too long ago, a fervent priest described the Sacrament of Confession to me in this way: “Every time the priest verbalizes the words of absolution, water and blood come out of Jesus’ side to cleanse us from sin.”
Such a powerful and prominent imagery of the Sacrament of Confession is extremely moving and inspirational to me as I approach the Ordination to the Priesthood. Also, in connection to this idea, the mingling of water and wine during the liturgy of the Eucharist represents the divinity and humanity of Christ, of which I will unworthily be part of as a future celebrant. Thinking that I will be able to celebrate Mass and hear confessions is a source of authentic and genuine joy.
The Eucharist gathers us together around the table of the Lord regardless of culture, language, background, nationalities or beliefs, especially as we consider the rich diversity of our Diocese. This unique diversity is a great opportunity for me to encounter the face of Christ through all of you! Also, the Sacrament of Confession reveals the tender and merciful gaze of God the Father as we call to mind our need to draw ourselves closer to Him through the experience of forgiveness.
I pray that the more I walk in this journey, the more I embrace the feelings and desires of the priestly heart of Jesus Christ: feelings of compassion and love for the people and the desire to embrace with an undivided heart God’s noble call to serve as a priest. Words fall short to express the joy of being an instrument of God’s grace, especially through the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confession in the Diocese of Camden.
I look forward to partaking in the joy of celebrating these two beautiful and powerful sacraments in a few weeks, my brothers and sisters!
In Christ, Dcn. Ricardo Lozano
Deacon Ricardo Lozano Cruz is fourth theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange.
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