Jesuit Development Office
Ordinations and Final Vows
Two new Jesuit priests
On June 5, 2010, the Most Rev. Terrence T. Prendergast, S.J., ordained John David Meehan, S.J., and Teofilo Castro Ugaban, S.J., to the priesthood at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Toronto.
A native of Antigonish, NS, Rev. Dr. John Meehan, S.J., entered the Society of Jesus in 2000 after studies in history and international relations in Canada, Britain and the United States. He first met Jesuits while working and living with handicapped people at L’Arche in France. Since entering the Society, he has worked with First Nations in Seattle, at-risk youth in Mississippi and prison inmates in Saskatchewan. His doctoral thesis on Canadian-Japanese relations was published in English in 2004 and in Japanese in 2006. He has also completed a history of Sino-Canadian relations and is working on a project on Vatican relations with China. Father John feels called to the educational and international apostolates, seeking to encourage greater dialogue among world religions and cultures. As a Jesuit, he is inspired by the many occasions in which academic, secular exchanges have moved to the level of spiritual conversation. He sees a great need for such an awareness in academic life today, bringing to such places the Jesuit charism of finding God in all things. A singer and pianist, Father John enjoys music and the joy it gives to others.
Read more about Fr. John in the Catholic Register's L'Arche experience leads Jesuit to priesthood
Rev. Teofilo “Teo” Ugaban, S.J., was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Vancouver, BC with his parents and two brothers in 1990. Fr. Teo studied at The University of British Columbia, which is where he met the Jesuits. He worked as a catechist in Tucson, Arizona, with Yaqui Native Americans. Fr. Teo was involved in youth ministry with the Salesians of Don Bosco and in the Diocese of Vancouver. His exploration of religious life and priesthood led him to the Society of Jesus at the age of 19. At 22, he entered the Jesuit Novitiate in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2000. Upon taking his vows, he continued his studies at the University of Toronto, focusing on Philosophy and Jewish Studies. For his Regency, Fr. Teo taught at Loyola High School in Montréal. In 2005, he also helped organize a group from Loyola to attend the World Youth Day celebration in Cologne, Germany. Fr. Teo passionately believes that “being a Jesuit is a privilege and a gift.” His talent in the visual arts has allowed him to share his artistic gifts in Canada and in the United States. Last year, he opened his seventh art exhibition at Our Lady of Lourdes Jesuit parish in Toronto. He enjoys tennis and treating his Jesuit brothers with his culinary gifts.
Three new Jesuit deacons
On April 10 the Most Rev. Peter J. Hundt, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, ordained Mark P. Fusco, Michael L. Knox, and William N. Mbugua to the order of deacon at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Toronto.
Mark is a member of the Jesuits Maryland Province and is currently completing his doctoral studies at Regis College. William, who is originally from Kenya, and Michael are both completing their third year of theology at Regis.
