— Area News
Mass of Ordination to the Order of Priest
June 17, 2026
The EOHSJ Knights and Dames of the Diocese of Tucson had the honor of taking part in the Priestly Ordination of Deacon Charles Patrick Nagore.
The Mass was celebrated at Saint Augustine Cathedral on 6 June 2026. The Most Reverend James A. Misko, Bishop of Tucson presided. Priestly ordination is the sacrament in which a man is configured to Christ the High Priest through the laying on of hands and the consecratory prayer, receiving a permanent sacred character that empowers him to teach, sanctify, and shepherd in the name of Christ and the Church. Priestly ordination configures the man to Christ as teacher, shepherd, and priest, enabling him to act in persona Christi in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Saint Augustine Cathedral was full of Priests, Deacons, Religious, Lay Faithful, and Charle’s Family for this joyful day.
In his Homily Bishop Misko asked “To whom do you belong, God or the world?” Belonging to God means letting Christ define your identity. Belonging to the world means living as if God is irrelevant. The day of your baptism is the most important day of your life. The first words spoken at your Baptism by the Priest or Deacon are “I claim you for Christ.” Bishop asked the faithful to pull people up the mountain so that you will be Christ for them. He asked Carlos to continue to deepen his bond with Christ so that he would more radically bond with his people. By staying in communion with God, he will find service in his people. With that bond, you will live the divinity of a Priest. To be a Sheppard you have to have the smell of the sheep. The Lord looks for humble hearts and not perfect Priests.
After being ordained, Father Carlos offered thanks to everyone who had supported him on his journey of discernment. He humbly asked for continued prayers, that he remain faithful to the promises he has made, that he always gives God his wholehearted and fearless “yes”; and that he always be guided by his adoration and love of Christ in his life and ministry. Father Carlos celebrated his first Mass at Saint Agustine Cathedral for the Saturday Vigil Mass.
Bishop Misko concluded Mass by asking all in attendance to pray for vocations. The Diocese of Tucson has fourteen men in seminary or discernment to become Priests. Unfortunately, it will be years before the Diocese of Tucson ordains a new priest. Every member of the church is a vocation director. Reach out if you see someone whom you think may be a good priest and encourage them to be open to the call of God.
