Father Fredi Gomez Torres remembers his first thoughts of becoming a priest, were when he was eighteen years old and going on retreat, to see if he needed to have a more profound knowledge with God. Originally from Toluca, Mexico, Father Fredi ended up with the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois through a priest, Father
Brian Reisek. “He visited me in my seminary in Toluca. We became friends and he invited me to be in this diocese.”
Father Fredi was ordained a priest on August 3, 2002. In his twelve years as a priest has served in a variety of places. In 2002, he served as parochial vicar, in St. Mary, Metamora; St. Elizabeth, Washburn; St. John, Benson, and St. Joseph, Roanoke. In 2003, he became parochial vicar at St. Mary and St. Francis of Assisi, in Kewanee and added Holy Cross, Mendota in 2005. He became an administrator of Holy Cross, Mendota and Sts. Peter & Paul, Peterstown, in 2008. He became a pastor in 2009, of Holy Cross Mendota and Sts. Peter and Paul, Peterstown and added St. Teresa of Avila, Earlville in 2013.
On June 11, 2014 he arrived to the Quad Cities and was named pastor of four parishes, St. Mary, Moline; St. Mary and St. Anne, East Moline and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Silvis. Newly ordained priest, Father Chase Hilgenbrinck is the parochial vicar and two split time and rotate masses at all the parishes. Asked, how he is able to be pastor of four parishes, Father Fredi said, “with the grace of God”. He also made it clear that he is very happy and feels really good about being here in the Quad Cities.
He said the thing he misses most about Mexico is his family but he tries to go back three or four times a year to visit his parents and family members. Father Fredi is not clearly sure of the differences between the United States and Mexico because he has only been a priest in the United States. His favorite saint is Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and his favorite bible verse is Phillipians 4:13, “I can do all things in Christ.” Asked how, we can help our priests, Father Fredi said, “Have God as your guide.” Amen.
For a video of our interview with Hola America please visit of web site HolaAmerica News.com in the Hola America TV section.
Photo by Phil Cunningham
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