It was standing room only at St. Benedict Catholic Church
Saturday, as hundreds of community members flocked to honor one of
the diocese’s beloved long-time servants.
It was standing room only at St. Benedict Catholic Church Saturday, as hundreds of community members flocked to honor one of the diocese’s beloved long-time servants.
Father Rudy Ruiz, who began his ministry with Sacred Heart Catholic Church about 10 months ago, was honored with a special appearance by Bishop Sylvester Ryan of the Monterey Diocese for his 25 years of priestly ministry in the Monterey Diocese during Saturday’s 5 o’clock mass.
The Bishop attended the service as an acknowledgment to Ruiz’s commitment to his faith, he said.
“It’s a privilege for me to be here – 25 years as a priest is a wonderful celebration,” Ryan said. “He’s also one of the best priests in the diocese… and it’s a beautiful tribute to the people he’s served.”
Although Ruiz hasn’t served San Benito County residents for long, he would like to complete the full 12 years a priest is allowed to serve in one parish, he said.
“The people have really been affirming and supportive,” Ruiz said. “Because I’m a Mexican American I really enjoy the diversity and the culture. One of the challenges I appreciate is bringing the different facets of the community together.”
The celebration in his honor was humbling to the modest priest, who said his sacrifices over the years have been for a more divine purpose than secular accolades.
“I’m there for the people – lifting them up,” Ruiz said. “I’m not used to his… One thing people need and long for are signs. If I can be a sign of hope and love and compassion to them, that’s all I want. Because life is tough.”
Saturday’s service was performed both in Spanish and English for the cultural blend of people who attended the service and whose lives Ruiz has touched over the years.
Hollister parishioner Barbara Hawkins said Ruiz’s ability to openly communicate and give of himself to anyone who needs it is a welcome addition to the community.
“I just love him,” she said. “He is so warm and he cares about everybody – he really does.”
St. Benedicts was packed with people from all over the diocese – including Monterey and Castroville, where Ruiz ministered before coming to Hollister.
Monterey resident Michael Johnson made the trek to Hollister to pay homage to the man who married Johnson and his wife a year ago, and who has become a large part of the couple’s life.
“He’s such a great man,” Johnson said. “He’s a great example of life, God and love.”
Accompanying the Bishop were four priests from surrounding parishes who flanked Ruiz during Saturday’s service out of respect and veneration for the experienced pastor, said Father Roberto Vera, a priest in Castroville.
Ruiz mentored Vera, who has been a priest for two years, and showed him by example rather than words what makes a successful minister, he said.
“He’s really devoted to the service of the community – not only in the church but in the general community,” Vera said. “The people of San Benito County are more than lucky to have him here – they are blessed.”
