by Katie Vasquez
At the 9am Mass, Deacon Hector Rodriguez stands at the altar assisting the pastor of Most Precious Blood church, Father Saša Ilijić.
It’s a position he’s held since 2013 when he was officially ordained in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
“Since then, you know, my life has been dedicated to the lord,” said Deacon Hector Rodriguez.
He first learned about diaconate courses from a friend in 2008 and decided to pursue this calling. But right as he began his studies, he got devastating news from doctors.
“They found out that I had cancer, colon cancer, almost in the fourth stage,” said Rodriguez.
While in seminary, his classmates prayed for him and he leaned on his faith during treatment.
“I was doing the rosary. and that helped me, you know, a lot because I am very faithful to our lady of mercy, the metal, you know, and my faith, you know in God, that’s what helped me to go through all this pain, because chemo is very hard and difficult and painful,” said Rodriguez.
In fact he says as brutal as chemo was, he never missed a class.
“That’s what filled my heart. I felt happy. you know, when god is with me. God is with me. I’m not afraid of anything,” said Rodriguez.
Deacon Hector was declared cancer-free not long after his ordination.
Now he serves the Astoria church in many capacities, from teaching order of Christian initiation for adults, or OCIA, classes to children with autism, to helping couples looking for an annulment.
And just as the lord guided him through chemo, Deacon Hector believes God guides him in his ministry.
“I always depend on God. Without God and nothing, you know, that is for me, my strength. guiding me with patience, mercy, to deal with other people. And that’s how I will continue. and I’m very, very happy,” said Rodriguez.