Florida Catholic | ‘The Lord Was Relentless’

MULTIMEDIA SPECIAL: Six New Priests: In their own words

‘The Lord was relentless’

Six new priests, six amazing journeys toward ordination.

ANA RODRIGUEZ–SOTO | FLORIDA CATHOLIC MIAMI BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 05.16.08

ANA RODRIGUEZ–SOTO | FC

MIAMI | Ana Pando could not contain her emotions as she hugged Father Lazarus Govin minutes after his ordination.

“I know how much he suffered in Cuba in order to become a priest,” said a teary Pando, a psychologist who volunteers her professional services with Miami seminarians.

Indeed, Father Govin’s journey to the priesthood took him from a childhood where he was ridiculed for believing in God to a perilous sea-crossing at 25 and ultimate freedom at 39, the freedom “to be with God and to respond to him.”

He was not alone May 10 as the journeys of five other young men coincided with his at the altar of St. Mary Cathedral, where Archbishop John C. Favalora ordained them priests for the Archdiocese of Miami.

The class of 2008 also includes:

Father Craig Malzacher, a former Winn-Dixie meat-cutter who considered opening up his own butcher shop.

Father Cesar Peña, who studied architecture to obey his father’s wishes that he have a career before entering the seminary.

Father Alejandro Rodriguez, a ballet dancer who stayed connected with God despite the milieu of his profession.

Father Richard Vigoa, a would-be investment banker who ultimately felt called to work for a “bigger boss”.

Father David Zirilli, a certified public accountant who tried making deals with God to postpone the priesthood.

“I asked God for all of the gifts, that I might be the best servant I can be,” said Father Zirilli, recalling his thoughts as one priest after another prayed over him during the ordination ceremony.

“It’s such a beautiful gift from God,” said a nearly speechless Luisa Vigoa, Father Vigoa’s mother, recalling her son’s journey to the priesthood.

Where they’re going

Father Lazarus Govin — St. Andrew, Coral Springs

Father Craig Malzacher — St. John Neumann, Miami

Father Cesar Peña — St. Mark, Southwest Ranches

Father Alejandro Rodriguez — Our Lady of Lourdes, Miami

Father Richard Vigoa — St. Michael, Miami

Father David Zirilli — St. Louis, Pinecrest

Return to the Archdiocese of Miami Front Page

‘The Lord was relentless’

Where they’re going

Other Stories