By Katherine Jass Lopez
For Today’s Catholic
In a special Mass of celebration and In the presence of family, friends, brother priests, seminarians and distinguished alumni, Father Arturo Cepeda was installed as rector of Assumption Seminary Aug. 16, by Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú, who is serving as apostolic administrator of the archdiocese.
“This is such a wonderful and great privilege for me and I am deeply humbled for this opportunity. Assumption Seminary is celebrating 95 years of service and I look forward to continuing the legacy of providing good formation to prepare men for service in the Church,” said Father Cepeda.
During the rite of installation, Father Cepeda declared his commitment to continue the mission of Assumption Seminary by promising to dedicate his time and talents to the formation of the seminarians. “I am so happy to be here with these men who said yes to the Lord and continue with them on their journey into the priesthood.”
In addition to his service to the church, Father Cepeda’s has an important role in his own family. “I am very proud of my brother, as is our entire family and we are so happy to be able to be her to support and encourage him,” his sister Ana Bojorquez said. “Even though I’m the oldest, he’s the one we look up to and admire. He has worked really hard and his dedication and passion for the Lord is very evident. He is the pillar of our family and we are all so proud,” commented his brother Raul Cepeda.
During the Mass, Father Cepeda, along with the faculty from Assumption Seminary and the Mexican American Catholic College, also professed their commitment to collaborate and continue the tradition of educating the seminarians in the faith and culture of the church.
“It was a significant experience to be standing together in unity as we committed ourselves to helping in the formation of the seminarians; while in partnership with Father Cepeda and his faculty, we professed our fidelity to teach from the heart of the church in obedience to the Bishop,” said Dr. David Delaney, academic dean for the Mexican American Catholic College.
Father David Garcia was especially proud of this new role for Father Cepeda. “I actually accepted Father Arturo into the seminary; he came to me after moving here with his family and told me he wanted to be a priest. I’ve watched him grow over the years and become a mentor to him and now I feel like a proud father. It is wonderful to see him and so many other young priests taking such responsible positions within the archdiocese.
Many of the seminarians came to know Father Cepeda as they began to discern their own vocation. “This is a great opportunity for Father Cepeda to move into another phase of his ministry as a natural progression from being the vocation director of the archdiocese. I truly believe the Holy Spirit has led him to this appointment and we the seminarians are very blessed to have him as our shepherd,” commented John Nolan, a fourth year seminary student.
Following the Mass, all were invited to continue the celebration with brunch in the St. Joseph Dining Hall where Father Cepeda personally visited with his family and friends. “I am just so thankful to see so many of my family, friends and brothers here to support me; it is truly a blessing from God,” Father Cepeda said.
Several friends and alumni of Assumption Seminary traveled to San Antonio to take part in the celebration and show their support of their fellow alumnus. “I was here 31 years ago; Assumption is a living tradition and it’s a joy to be here to see its continued growth with Father Cepeda as the new rector,” said Father Dennis Jarzombek from Stockdale. “It’s important to show our support to Father Cepeda, Assumption Seminary and the seminarians; we are all part of the greater Church and we must all embrace all of the works of the Church with our support and prayers,” commented Bishop Michael Mulvey of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
Father Daniel Moore, SS, vice rector of the Theological College at Catholic University and first consultor of the Society of St. Sulpice, was happy to travel to Texas to see his friend installed as rector. “Father Arturo and I have known each other for many years and it was important for me to be here for such a significant moment in his life and in the life of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.”
Those who have worked with Father Cepeda are confident he will be a good role model and shepherd for the seminarians. “He is a great leader and will be an inspiring mentor to these young men. His heart and his life is in the church and our archdiocese and he only wants the best for the seminarians and will do his best to see they become wonderful priest,” said Sister Jane Mary Gawlik, CSSF, associate vocation director for the archdiocese.
Lay supporters of Assumption Seminary also expressed their love and support for Father Cepeda as he takes on his new role. “My family has known Father Cepeda for years and it is exciting to see Father Cepeda taking on this leadership role. He has accomplished so much and he is so full of wisdom and prayer; he will be a great example for the seminarians.”
“Seeing Assumption Seminary chapel filled to standing room with our seminarians and their support filled me with anticipation for the great future in sort for the church in San Antonio,” said Gloria Zapiain of the Office of Adult Faith Formation for the archdiocese.