By Luis Chacon

Father Héctor Franco, beloved pastor at St. Mary’s Parish and Santa Isabel, recently marked a significant milestone – the 35th anniversary of his priestly ordination. This extraordinary achievement was celebrated with great joy and reverence, highlighting the impact Father Héctor has had on the Boyle Heights community during his nearly two-year tenure.

The anniversary, which fell on October 30th, brought together the Salesian communities of St. Mary’s and Santa Isabel, who have been actively commemorating this remarkable journey since the previous week. The heartfelt celebrations and gatherings served as a testament to Father Héctor’s unwavering commitment to his ministry and vocation.

Even on the evening of October 31st, during the Halloween festivities at Santa Isabel Elementary School, amidst the excitement of the costume contest, there was a pause to express gratitude to Father Héctor for his selfless service and dedication to the community.

The culmination of these celebrations was a dinner held at the religious community of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The event was a heartfelt tribute to Father Héctor, celebrating both his ministry and his priestly ordination.

Father Héctor shared with us that he was ordained in 1988, an auspicious year as it marked the centenary of the feast of the death of Don Bosco, the founder of the Salesian order. For the past 35 years, he has dedicated his life to the service of the Salesian congregation. His journey began in Bogotá, Colombia, where he held various pivotal roles.

Father Héctor’s rich and diverse experiences include serving as a provincial delegate of youth ministry in Colombia and being responsible for the development office. He has also assumed the roles of director and parish priest in different communities and served as a member of the Provincial Council in Bogotá, Colombia. His multifaceted service underscores his deep commitment to the Salesian mission.

Father Héctor has been a source of inspiration and guidance for St. Mary’s Parish and the parish of Santa Isabel. He continues to inspire the faithful with his unwavering dedication, wisdom, and boundless compassion.

In Father Héctor’s own words, he feels “very happy and blessed” to be here, accompanying the communities of St. Mary’s and Santa Isabel. His remarkable journey of 35 years stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of service, faith, and love that defines the Salesian family. We look forward to many more years of his compassionate ministry in our community.