The Society of the Divine Savior—Salvatorians joyfully celebrated the Ordination of Deacon Ricardo Rivera Gutierrez, SDS on Friday, May 31, at Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Most Reverend James T. Schuermann, Auxiliary Bishop of Milwaukee, presided. His Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated the following evening at the same parish, again at Mother of Good Counsel.
Fr. Ricardo’s journey to this momentous occasion has been a testament to his dedication and faith. Born and raised in Lazaro Lardenas, Michoacán, Mexico, he had been living, studying, and ministering in the Milwaukee area during his formation with the Salvatorians. Last July, he made a significant journey to his home in Mexico for his Diaconate Ordination, a journey made more poignant by the immigration issues that prevented his family from joining him in the USA. For his priestly ordination, his parents, Ricardo Rivera-Mendoza and Josefina Gutierrez-Landeros along with his brother Fr. Noé Rivera- Gutierrez, made the trip from Mexico to witness this important milestone and celebration!
"My younger brother, also a priest and my only sibling, was ordained seven years ago, specifically on May 31, which I consider a gift from God. Coincidentally, I was also ordained this year on the same date, which I feel is a divine blessing," said Rivera Gutierrez. "A passage that has taken on special meaning for me is Matthew 4:18-22, where Jesus calls two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, telling them: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' This call has resonated deeply with me and motivates me to persevere in the vocation God has called me. After nine years of training and reaching this crucial moment, I feel like I am living a dream from which I do not wish to wake."
Fr. Ricardo spent his apostolic year serving at St. Adalbert Parish in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he focused on supporting couples' groups as well as men's and women's groups. Additionally, for the past several years, he has been collaborating with the Emmaus groups in various parts of the Milwaukee Archdiocese and groups in Illinois and Madison, which have invited him to give talks and share retreats.
With the onset of the COVID pandemic, Fr. Ricardo took on the role of a digital missionary. Through his social media, he became a prominent figure in the Hispanic community, "I try to show religious life in an authentic and relatable way, sharing both moments of joy and those of sadness, fatigue, and loneliness," he said. "My goal is to communicate a message of hope and joy that can reach many people. I share comedy, preachings, reflections, and aspects of my daily life." His channels, found under the username “el Arquero de Dios" on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, have amassed nearly 900,000, 120,000, and 70,000 followers, respectively.
"Ricardo embraces the Salvatorian commitment to Fr. Jordan's vision of a universal church that crosses cultural boundaries to bring the love and kindness of the Savior to all people,” said Fr. Peter Schuessler, SDS, USA Province Provincial and Director of Formation. “When celebrating mass as a priest, he will enable others to experience the presence of Christ within themselves, leading them to work for God's kingdom of justice and peace."
Experienced in faith formation and community engagement, he is adept at Spanish and English public speaking and Hispanic community ministry. He is hopeful and excited to integrate and serve the Hispanic community post-ordination. Fr. Ricardo has been appointed by Bishop Edward Weisenburger, from the Diocese of Tucson in Arizona, as Associate Pastor of the Catholic Cathedral of St. Augustine in Tucson. He will begin his ministry in late July.
