A Mass punctuated with lively music,  an engaging and supportive congregation, and even a serenading mariachi singer set the festive tone for the welcoming and installation of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral’s 16th and newest rector – Father Joseph L. Roldan.

“This is a day of great joy,” a beaming Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., said, as he introduced Father Roldan at the start of the July 3 Mass.

As rector, Father Roldan succeeds Msgr. John K. Dermond who was rector from 2002 until this past July 1 when he dedicated himself full time as judicial vicar in the diocesan Canonical Services/Tribunal.

“I’m excited to be here,” said Father Roldan, a few days after the installation Mass, an event which he regarded as a “most joyful occasion.”

Reflecting on his appointment as rector, Father Roldan said he received a phone call from Bishop O’Connell March 1 asking if he would consider the position.

“I was absolutely surprised,” he said, “and “I obviously asked the bishop ‘Why me?’”

It was quite humbling to learn that the bishop had based his decision on “recommendations from my brother priests,” Father Roldan said. He then went on to acknowledge his predecessors and said as rector, it is his goal to “continue the work started by the 15 other men before me, who guided this community to holiness.”

After the homily that Father Roldan preached in English and Spanish, Msgr. Dermond and cathedral representatives presented Father Roldan with various symbols of his new role during the installation ceremony.

The keys to the cathedral were presented by Msgr. Dermond; the Book of the Gospels was presented by Deacon Emiliano Vazquez;  a baptismal shell was presented by Manuel Montero Jr. and Giana Maria Gonzalez of the religious education program; a violet stole was presented by Felix and Carmen Miranda,  trustees; the vessels containing the wine and water were presented by Joaquin and Thelma De Leon, who serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, and the Holy Oils were presented by Deacon Jose and Aida Beauchamp.

The Offertory Procession followed with Father Roldan’s mother, Juanita Roldan, presenting the chalice, and three ciborium presented by representatives from parishes where Father Roldan had previously served: St. Anthony of Padua, Hightstown; St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank,  as parochial vicar, and Christ the Redeemer, Mount Holly, as pastor.

By having people from his previous parish assignments participate in his installation Mass, Father Roldan said, he wanted to show his appreciation to those communities that “helped to form me in the different parishes.”

“It’s always important to recognize those people who helped you become who you are,” he said.

Father Roldan said he believes that his previous parish experiences will serve him well at the cathedral.

At Christ the Redeemer, where he served for “almost six wonderful years” as pastor of a community of some 250 families, “I was able to not only develop as a person, but to help the people and hopefully, bring more pride into the small community that it is.”

“There are lots of wonderful people at Christ the Redeemer who were very cooperative and eager,” said Father Roldan. “We were a small parish, but very active.”

At the cathedral, Father Roldan said he eagerly anticipates continuing to minister to parishioners who are of various ethnic backgrounds, similar to the diverse community he shepherded in Christ the Redeemer. The cathedral is comprised of more than 1,600 registered families, the majority of whom are Spanish speaking and hail from various South American and Central American Countries – Costa Rica, Honduras, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guatemala, Dominican Republic and Chile. There are also a handful of folks from Haiti, Jamaica, a few from Nigeria and one from Liberia.

Father Roldan spoke of the dual role his rector position will have. Not only will he be a pastor to the parishioners who regard the cathedral as their spiritual home, he also looks forward to helping to coordinate and host various diocesan celebrations throughout the year, especially the priestly ordinations.

“When I think about it, it brings back memories of my own ordination,” he said. “I’m in awe to know that I’m now rector of the place where it all began for me and for so many other priests,” he said. “I’m excited and happy to be here.”