Colombia native ordained to priesthood for diocese at Cathedral

METUCHEN — His irrepressible smile illuminating the sanctuary, Ronal Romario Vega Pastrana joined the ranks of the clergy of the diocese June 11 at a joyous celebration of his priestly ordination.

Bishop James F. Checchio, Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski and scores of priests and deacons vested in white processed into the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi to witness the ancient rite. Following the proclamation of the Gospel, Bishop Checchio charged the man he would ordain to “understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate and conform your life in the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”

During his homily, Bishop Checchio continued his advice to the 32-year-old Colombian native, saying, “You must be willing, and I know you are, to make your life a sacrifice to the Lord. Not only through your promises of celibacy, obedience and prayer, but also through your dedicated, constant service to your parishioners, and your fidelity to them as a spiritual father.”

The future priest would face challenges brought on by many factors, the bishop continued, such as “shepherding a flock that has also had emotional tolls from this pandemic.” But, the bishop added, he need not shoulder these burdens alone — “the priest… acts with the presbyterate, becoming a brother of all who constitute it.”

Bishop Checchio expressed his confidence in the man before him, noting his habits of daily prayer and quiet time in the Lord’s Eucharistic presence, as well as a lively devotion to the Blessed Mother and the saints.

“All of that, along with the giving of yourself in loving service to God’s people in your assignments, will make you a true spiritual father for the faithful and will bear great fruit for our Lord,” the bishop said.

Ronal Romario Vega Pastrana was born in Cereté, Córdoba, Colombia, one of four children of Jorge Ivan Vega Pastrana and Lidya Judith Pastrana. Upon his graduation from Institución Educativa Santa Teresa, he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religious education at Colombia’s Fundación Universitaria Católica del Norte in 2016. Father Vega Pastrana served as sacristan in Divino Salvador Parish, Bogota, Colombia.

Upon his arrival in the United States, he completed his priestly formation at the Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange. During the course of his diaconal and priestly studies, Father Vega Pastrana served in the parishes of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater; St. James, Basking Ridge; St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge, and St. Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington.   

Standing alone in the sanctuary, his smile reflecting his joy-filled heart, the future Father Vega Pastrana answered with a clear “yes” the questions whether he had come willingly and faithfully to the priesthood and would promise obedience to the authority of the priesthood. Bishop Checchio answered this assent, “May God, who has begun great work in you, bring it to fulfillment,” as the congregation responded with resounding applause.

Then, acknowledging this was a goal he would not achieve alone, Father Vega Pastrana lay prostrate as the choir and congregation sang the “Litany of the Saints,” beseeching the heavenly hosts for assistance. As the last notes faded, he approached Bishop Checchio, who laid hands on his head in silent prayer. Then, one by one, priests filed from the pews into the sanctuary to bless their fraternal brother in the same way.

A choir under the direction of Christopher M. C. Deibert, new diocesan director of music, sang the ancient hymn “Veni Creator” as Father Vega Pastrana was assisted by Father Jay Johnson, pastor, St. Thomas Parish, in first removing the vestments of a deacon, then donning the stole and chasuble of a priest. Once again kneeling before his shepherd, the hands of Father Vega Pastrana were anointed with Holy Chrism before his fellow priests approached him once again for a fraternal embrace.

At the conclusion of Mass, Father Vega Pastrana bestowed his first priestly blessings upon Bishop Checchio and Bishop Bootkoski, then upon his parents, Jorge and Lidys, who had traveled from Colombia to witness their son’s ordination.

The new priest has been assigned to minister as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville.

He will also teach part-time at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison.