By Katie Vasquez
Deacon Heriberto Cabrera’s journey to the altar has been one of deep faith and commitment.
Now serving at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church in Bergen Beach, Deacon Cabrera recalls his search for a closer relationship with God.
Initially considering the priesthood after attending Immaculate Conception Seminary in 1976, he eventually became a lawyer, but his call to serve remained strong.
At age 66, Deacon Cabrera was ordained and now joins a growing number of Hispanic deacons in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Nationwide, 20% of deacons are Hispanic, and 3% are Black, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
However, the Diocese of Brooklyn is far more diverse, with 46% of its deacons being Hispanic and 10% Black.
This trend shows no signs of slowing, as the Diocese is set to ordain 11 new deacons in 2025, including four Hispanic men, six white men, and one Black man.
Deacon Julio Barraneche, Secretary for Clergy Personnel, attributes this diversity to the multicultural fabric of New York City.
“We’ve been blessed with deacons from Hispanic, Haitian, and other national backgrounds,” Barraneche explains.
Father Mike Tedone, parochial vicar at St. Bernard of Clairvaux, praises Deacon Cabrera for his contributions to the parish.
“He’s a big help to our community, especially with his native Spanish, as he’s originally from the Dominican Republic,” Father Tedone said.
For Deacon Cabrera, his role is about living his faith and sharing it with others. “To me, it’s like the word of God is touching people, emanating from my very mouth,” he reflects.
This story reflects how the Diocese of Brooklyn continues to buck national trends with its increasingly diverse diaconate.