Priest ministers to Kansas diocese's growing Mexican population

Published: 2003-10-07

SALINA, Kan. (CNS) -- Father Carlos Ruiz, 33, is not only the youngest priest in the Salina Diocese, but he also is the only Mexican priest serving the parish with the diocese's largest Mexican population -- Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish. The parish serves more than 120 Mexican families -- and it is estimated that twice that number may now live in the Salina area. Assisting Father Ruiz are six sisters of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit and Holy Family, an order based in Durango, Mexico. Only one sister speaks English, and five of the six are new to Kansas. However, they are open to learning the new language so they can also relate to the American people. Father Ruiz, who grew up in Pinicuaro in central Mexico, was ordained a priest June 7 at Sacred Heart Cathedral by Bishop George K. Fitzsimons of Salina. He came to Kansas at the invitation of Father Fred Gatschet, a priest of the Salina Diocese who visited the high school seminary in Mexico where he was enrolled.

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