By Christina Leslie | Staff Writer

“To make one community, we need to work together,” said Father Fernando A. Lopez during a Mass marking his installation as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in St. Agnes Church, marked the Colombian-born priest’s first pastorate and certified his place as the Atlantic Highlands faith community’s 22nd shepherd.

TO SEE PHOTO GALLERY ON THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.

Other concelebrants at the Vigil Mass included Father Rene Pulgarin, pastor, Christ the Redeemer Parish, Mount Holly; Father John Bambrick, pastor, St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson; Father Daniel Hesko, pastor, St. Catherine Parish, Middletown; Father Alberto Tamayo, pastor, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank, and Father Carlo Calisin, parochial vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish.

Father Lopez, one of four children of Rosmira Monsalve De Lopez and the late Luis Arturo Lopez, was born June 19, 1975 in Medellin, Colombia. First discerning a call to the priesthood during his high school years at Colegrio Fray Rafa de la Serna, he entered the Pontifical University Bolivariana / Mayor Seminary, but changed his focus to pursue a degree in criminal justice.

An invitation for the ordination of his good friend, Father Rene Pulgarin, to the Diocese of Trenton, and a meeting with then-Bishop John M. Smith, reawakened his desire to become a priest. Father Lopez completed his seminary training in Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange, and served in the parishes of Holy Trinity, Long Branch; Our Lady of Good Counsel, West Trenton, and St. Aloysius, Jackson. He spent his transitional deaconate in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette.

Father Lopez was ordained a priest by Bishop O’Connell June 4, 2011. He served as parochial vicar in St. Aloysius Parish, then was appointed as administrator in Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, in April, 2015.

At the Mass, members of the staff, parish council and finance committee were presented to the new pastor by Bishop O’Connell. Hearty applause rang out from the congregation as the installation was completed.

Father Lopez referred to these men and women and the congregation’s support of his efforts to fully merge the two of faith, and their ongoing efforts to fully incorporate the faith families of the two parishes during his homily.

“There is a mission we have to accomplish,” he said, enlisting the aid of the entire congregation to worship as one family of faith. “I can’t do it by myself.”