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June 29, 2021I am Father Emanuel Torres-Fuentes, born 42 years ago on Christmas. I grew up in Jalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, the second of four children. My mom, two sisters, and brother live in Jalapa. My dad passed away three years ago. I attended General Alvaro Obregon Elementary School, Carolino Anaya Middle School, Licenciado Antonio Maria de Rivera High School, and then studied Teaching at the Universidad Veracruzana. My dream was to become a teacher and after graduation in 2004, to work at a public or private school with hopes of having a good experience teaching Spanish grammar to children and adults. Writing in Spanish is not easy because of its many grammatical rules and complex sentences. My dream of teaching did not come true; everything happens for a reason.
Deciding not to pursue teaching, feeling unfulfilled, I wanted to know more about God and have a real encounter with him. I wanted God to be my life’s rock, giving meaning, direction, and purpose. Invited to be a lector, Eucharistic minister, give talks, and oversee youth min-is try at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Jalapa, it was during this time and doing these activities that I initially felt God inviting me to discern a call to the priesthood. I entered San Rafael Guizar y Valencia Seminary to study Philosophy.
In 2012, I was invited to study Theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake. During my five years at Mundelein Seminary, my most formative experiences were becoming a Master of Ceremonies for Liturgy, traveling on a Mission trip to Tucson, Arizona, on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and learning American culture.
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2018, my first assignment was at Saint Juliana Parish in Chicago. I am thankful for the years I served there, and for the love and support of the staff and parishioners. Becoming associate pastor of Saint Joseph Parish on July 1st is a tremendous joy for me. I am grateful to Cardinal Cupich for appointing me to this fine parish, and to Father John Trout, Father Martin Luboyera, Father John Hennessey, and the staff for their gracious welcome. I hope to meet all of you soon to thank you for your prayers and welcome.
I enjoy reading, pop music and Sudoku and watching football and hockey games, and would like to learn how to golf. Excited about our upcoming years together, I pray to Jesus that I serve and love you well. I look forward to sharing our faith, continuing to grow in love with God and the Church and getting to know you.
My favorite Scripture passage changes often but Philippians 4:13 sustains me: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is an ongoing reminder for me that with God’s grace I can do all things in my ministry - even in a different culture and language.
Fr. Emanuel Torres-Fuentes, Associate Pastor
