By Liz Sullivan
For Deacon Rubén Solorio , his appointment as the new president of the Sacred Heart Nativity Schools in San Jose is not just another job . For Deacon Solorio , it is a calling and he is proof that the mission of the school – breaking the cycle of poverty through education – can work and work well .
On June 1 , Deacon Solorio celebrated his inauguration with a Eucharistic Celebration at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church .
A member of Most Holy Trinity Parish , where he serves as a deacon , Deacon Solorio is a first generation member of his family to graduate from high school , Bellarmine College Prep and Santa Clara University .
He wants the same opportunities afforded him as a teenager for the students of Sacred Heart Nativity School for Boys ( founded 2001 ) and Our Lady of Grace School for Girls ( founded 2006 ). These are Santa Clara County ’ s only private , non-profit , Jesuit middle schools .
“ It is a true honor to be here ,” said Deacon Solorio during the inauguration Mass , “ to be given this ministry . Education was the key to ending poverty in
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my family . It was a dream come true and it opened so many doors for me and my family . Now it is the same dream we have for these students .”
The Mass was celebrated by Monsignor Francis Cilia , Vicar General for the Diocese of San Jose , and concelebrated by Jesuit West Provincial Father Scott Santarosa , S . J .; Father Mike Gilson , S . J .; Sacred Heart of Jesus Pastor Father Walter Suarez and several priests who have touched Deacon Solorio ’ s life over the years . The Mass was also celebrated in the presence of Bishop Emeritus Carlos Sevilla , S . J ., Diocese of Yakima , Washington .
To watch Deacon Solorio before the Mass , and right up until he was installed as President by Sacred Heart Nativity Board of Directors President Katie Burke , was to see a happy man , father , son , grandson and friend , smiling from ear-to-ear and greeting the many who had come out to celebrate this day with him .
“ We believe Deacon Rubén is the right person , at the right time and the right place ,” said Burke . “ He will guide us into the next chapter in Nativity ’ s history .”
Once Deacon Solorio was the given the opportunity to express the thoughts
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Deacon Rubén Solorio was appointment as the new president of the Sacred Heart Nativity Schools in San Jose on June 1 .
that filled his mind and soul , people witnessed his passion , drive and determination and most importantly his commitment to the Sacred Heart Nativity Schools community .
“ These children deserve the best education we can give them ,” said Deacon Solorio , as a tear rolled down his cheek . “ I ask you to continue this journey with me . These students deserve the best of you because I have benefitted from the best of you .”
Outgoing president Sonya Arriola shared her thoughts .
“ It has been an honor to serve as your president the last four years ,” she said . “ Deacon Rubén , the Sacred Heart Nativity community welcomes you wholeheartedly with open arms . I have the utmost confidence in Deacon Rubén . He is a leader who brings new energy .
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I look to the future with unwavering hope . Thank you for sharing your life with the Nativity community .
Prior to the installation , which was held at the conclusion of the Mass , Father Santarosa provided the homily and reflected on the Gospel reading from Matthew 25 : 31-40 . This passage focuses on the Lord ’ s teaching on the final judgment challenges every disciple of Jesus has to be a harbinger of God ’ s kingdom in a broken world .
“ Jesus likes to hang out with people who don ’ t appear to have much ,” said Father Santarosa . “ And dignity is to give freely , without cost . Our hope today , what we celebrate with you today Deacon Rubén , is that you put your body at Sacred Heart Nativity Schools every day and that you will truly hang out with Jesus Christ . Follow your heart as you give and receive so much more .”
In addition , Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo both spoke and shared their feelings about Deacon Solorio and the next chapter in his life .
“ It is my personal blessing that you continue to be a greater leader for our people ,” said Cortese , who presented Solorio with a proclamation from the County . “ Always be humble as you are .”
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