Bishop David Bonnar installed Rogationist Father Bryan Tutas as pastor of Guardian Angels Parish at St. Joan of Arc Church in Canton on September 20. As members of the St. Matthew Province (Philippine Province) of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus, Father Tutas and parochial vicar Father Silvestre Robinol brought their Filipino heritage to the Diocese of Youngstown in October 2025. The Rogationists’ vocation is working in education and formation, especially among the poor and seminaries. They have a presence in Italy, the Philippines and South America. For more about the Rogationist Order, go to: www.rcj.ph/the-congregation.
Congratulations, Cristina!
Cristina Hernandez, the diocese’s coordinator of Hispanic Ministry, is one of eight finalists chosen from 46 nominees for the Catholic Extension Society’s 2026-2027 Lumen Christi Award. The award is based out of Chicago and has been given out annually since 1978 to people who “radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve.” Hernandez has worked as the diocesan coordinator of Hispanic Ministry since 2023. She has been an active parishioner and leader since 2009 at St. Anthony/All Saints Parish (now St. Francis of Assisi Parish) in Canton, where she has served on the Hispanic pastoral council and parish pastoral council, as Youth Ministry Coordinator, as a translator and in various liturgical roles. The eight finalists will each receive $15,000 to support their respective ministries. The winner of the Lumen Christi Award and their respective diocese will share a $100,000 award. The recipient will be announced at some point this fall.
Cristina Hernandez, la Coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano de la diócesis, es una de las ocho finalistas escogida entre 46 candidatos nominados por la Catholic Extension Society 2026-2027 para el premio Lumen Christi. El premio tiene su sede en Chicago y ha sido entregado anualmente desde 1978 a personas que “irradian y revelan la luz de Cristo presente en las comunidades donde ellos sirven”. Hernandez ha trabajado como Coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis desde 2023.Ella ha sido una feligresa activa y líder desde 2009 en la Parroquia deSt. Anthony/All Saints (ahora la Parroquia de St. Francis of Assisi) enCanton, donde ella ha servido en el Consejo Pastoral Hispano y el Consejo Pastoral de la Parroquia, ha sido Coordinadora del Ministerio de Jóvenes, traductora y ha desempeñado cargos en varios ministerios litúrgicos. Los ocho finalistas recibirán $15,000 cada uno para apoyar a sus respectivos ministerios. El ganador del premio Lumen Christi y su respectiva diócesis también compartirán un premio de $100,000. El ganador será anunciado en algún momento durante este otoño.
The Walsh University Alumni Association presented its 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards on September 18. Pictured from left are this year’s winners: Claire Killian ’22, Young Alumni Leadership Award; Dana Allender ’95, Outstanding Alumni Award; Walsh University President Tim Collins; Patricia Cantwell Jeffcott ’76, Lifetime Achievement Award; Marc Ursick ’09, Professional Achievement Award; and Pedro Chavez ’11, Distinguished Service Award.
Finding Joy in Reconciliation
This Advent, the diocese is organizing a Reconciliation event, offering opportunities to make the sacrament available to Catholics across the diocese on Gaudete Sunday, December 13. Similar to the Lenten event, The Light is ON For You, opportunities may take the form of a Reconciliation service or individual Reconciliation. Mark your calendars to ensure this important sacrament becomes part of your Christmas preparations. Visit www.doy.org to find Reconciliation times near you.
