New York, NY –With St. Patrick’s Cathedral filled to capacity in a spirit of jubilation, Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop of New York, ordained nine men to the Catholic priesthood at St. Patrick’s Cathedral last May 10.

Among them was Ronald P. Perez, a Filipino-American originally from Manila and Batangas. Prior to his Ordination, Fr. Perez was Deacon of the Word at the Papal Mass last April 20, 2008 at the Yankee Stadium.

David Gonzalez of the New York Times wrote about Fr. Perez last April, “At 39, Ronald Perez is the oldest candidate for ordination next month. A former paralegal at a Midtown law firm, he moved to New York from Los Angeles 10 years ago to change his life. By the time he decided to become a priest, he had worked at a failed manufacturing company and a dot-com that missed the boom.

“His decision to become a priest was gradual, he said, coming after years of involvement in activities at his home parish, St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He credited the talks he had with visiting seminarians for nudging him closer to the religious life. Like other contemporary candidates for the seminary, he started studying philosophy with other prospective priests.

“The door was open, so if it was for you, go on, but if not, leave, no questions asked,” he said. “That first year was crucial. It gave me a chance to look back at my life and the world around me. Nothing I could have done as an engineer or a paralegal would give me contentment and happiness. Something was missing. I realized what it was: becoming a priest.”

After the Ordination Mass, family members and the public assembled at the Lady Chapel for the Blessings.

The following day Fr. Perez celebrated his first Mass as main celebrant, also at the Cathedral. Rev. Gerald T. Walsh, DD, rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary, gave the homily. After the first Mass some 200 people attended a light reception at the terrace of Saint Patrick’s.