Father Gregory Gay, new pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, signs the official Church documents in front of Bishop Peter Jugis, during his installation at Mass Aug. 6. (César Hurtado | Catholic News Herald)
CHARLOTTE — A real feast was celebrated in the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe Aug. 6, when Bishop Peter Jugis celebrated Mass and installed the parish’s new pastor, Vincentian Father Gregorio Gay.
At the start of the Mass, Father Hugo Medellín, parochial vicar, read the official letter of appointment. Then, Father Gay made a profession of faith and, putting his hands on the Bible, renewed his oath of fidelity to the Church.
“Assuming the office of parish pastor, I promise to always remain in communion with the Catholic Church, both in what I express in word and in my way of acting,” he said.
After that, Father Gregorio signed the official Church documents of his new office, witnessed by Vincentian Fathers Hugo Medellín and Leo Tiburcio, parochial vicars and concelebrants of the Mass.
Then Bishop Jugis, addressing the faithful, said, “Parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe, now I entrust you to this father as your new pastor” – prompting an enthusiastic ovation from everyone present.
During his homily, Bishop Jugis explained the responsibilities that, as a good pastor, Father Gay must exercise in his role as pastor, emphasizing that a pastor must do three primary things: teach, sanctify and lead his parishioners.
At the end of the Mass, Father Gay addressed parishioners. “As we all know, it is not easy to follow Father Vincent (Finnerty) for the wonderful work he has done guiding this community,” but, he noted, by following the example of Jesus Christ, he hopes to do a good job for the parish.
“I am very grateful to Monsignor Pedro (Jugis) for coming to celebrate this day with us,” he said. “We are honored with your presence and we hope you continue visiting us, orienting us as workers in the vineyard of the Lord, in the kingdom of God.”
Father Gay has served as superior of the Province of Central America for two terms in 2004, president of the Con-ference of Religious in Guatemala in 2003 and 2004, and as general superior of the Congregation of the Mission in 2004 and reelected in 2010.
— César Hurtado, Reportero Hispano