Ordained: 17 May 2015, Holy Name Cathedral, Archdiocese of Chicago, Illinois
Family: Wife, Marisol; 5 adult children: Ramón Jr., Daniel, Gabriel, Michael, Elizabeth
Profession: Retired Sergeant Chicago Police Department; now serving as Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of Raleigh
Home parish: Saint Mary Star of the Sea, Chicago, Illinois
Hobbies: Historian (Read Books), Nuematist, Golfing, Fishing, Bicycling
When did you first consider a vocation to the permanent diaconate?
While working as a Police Officer handling “Calls for Service” and observing the human condition in the suffering, in which you see the “Face of Christ” in the other.
What is your favorite part of being a deacon?
To serve and protect, in that the deacon is ordained to service, which represents being the icon of Jesus Christ, the suffering servant thru word and liturgy.
What would you say to someone considering the permanent diaconate?
To discern, pray, and seek guidance from a spiritual director, priest, permanent deacon or lay person. To go on a retreat and look deep into yourself like St. Ignacio of Loyola, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Augustine of Hippo, etc.
What surprised you the most about the permanent diaconate?
You’re the living icon of Christ the Servant. Being of service to others in works of charity and/ or service thru charity, liturgy and word.
What is the most joyful revelation you’ve had about the diaconate since your ordination?
That the image of God is present in his creation, man and woman, equally complementarily, stewards of his creation, bearers of life in the sacramental marriage, and witnesses to his bride, the Church, the mystical body of Christ using the sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ and being able to attain grace.
What is your favorite scripture passage?
Matthew Chapter 9, verse 9: "And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him."
Who is your favorite saint and why?
Saint Augustine of Hippo, who was a young man in the world searching for the truth. He delved in the vices of the then Roman Word, searching for the truth. Yet he refused to acknowledge God. Although his mother Saint Monica prayed and cried for his conversion. Saint Augustine's autobiography, “Confessions,” demonstrates a person in a search for truth, and that the truth always lies in God. It is God’s will that determines our life, freedom, and happiness.
Is there anything else you want people to know about you or the diaconate?
We are brought into the world, not by chance, but by the will of God, in whom lies “Salvation.” In which, thru a process of exposure to the creation, thru our religious beliefs and experiences, allows us to discern his will, in serving him (God) in whatever vocation he has chosen to bear witness to the truth that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of the living God redeeming us -- making us his children and permitting that we call him “Abba,” allowing us to return home (Heaven) to live, adore and praise eternally.