We are so excited to have a new Parochial Vicar enter into our community! Before his reassignment to CTK, Fr. Padilla served at St. Jude Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

Welcome home, Fr. Padilla! 

Tell us where you are from and a little bit about your family?

I was born in Pasco County and grew up in Spring Hill, FL- not too far away from here. My family is from the New York area and I’m Dominican and Italian. I have 2 brothers, James and Paul.

What languages do you know?

I know English and learned Italian when I was studying in Rome. I want to learn more!

When did you know that you wanted to be a priest?

I knew that I wanted to be a priest in the 4th grade, but I fought it. Coincidentally, Fr. Len was my vocations director in the 8th Grade and I used to avoid him by taking different walking routes and being “sick” because I felt the call, but I wasn’t ready to have that conversation yet.

How do you like to spend your time apart from church?

I love to spend time with my brothers and watch Indie films! One of my favorite directors is Darren Aronofsky. I also love going to the beach and playing golf.

Is there a Saint that has impacted your life in a particular way, or one that you have a special devotion to?

Yes, St. Pope John XXIII! When I was studying in Italy, I felt the call to start a devotion to him and because I lived down the road from St. Peter’s, I was able to go to Mass and pray in his altar once a week.

One moment in particular that I will never forget is when I was being ordained in St. Peter’s Basilica. As I was crawling on the floor during the litany, I felt his presence coming over me and I felt the laying of his hands. It was one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had- I’m getting emotional just thinking about it.