"Everything we do is based on God’s mercy"

Interview with Fr. Rodrigo Serna on occasion of the Divine Mercy Sunday


Father Rodrigo Serna was ordained to the priesthood in August 2023. 

Raised in a devout Catholic family in Mexico, he entered his first seminary, Seminario Diocesano Aguascaliente,s at the age of 14 and transferred to Conception Seminary in Missouri 10 years later. He is currently serving as the associate pastor at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Oklahoma City.
 
In preparation for his ordination Father Serna said, “I really want to be a merciful priest.” He shared how his appreciation of God’s mercy has helped him during his discernment and since his ordination as an archdiocesan priest.

What helped you realize the importance of God’s mercy in your life as a priest?
 
It was really during my absence from the archdiocese during COVID, as a deacon at that time, when I realized that God’s mercy can be found everywhere, in the marketplace, on the street, in the store. I came to appreciate the priestly vocation and I have grown in my desire to share God’s mercy with the people I encounter every day.
 
Everything we do is based on God’s mercy. We just need to be receptive as the Lord always desires to pour out his mercy on us.

Why is it relevant for Catholics to practice mercy in everyday life?

Jesus told us, as we read in Luke 6, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” We will be judged on account of mercy we have shown to others.

I always encourage people to think about the mystery of God’s mercy he revealed to us, especially during Christ’s passion and death on the cross. Christ emptied himself completely. He wanted to give everything he had to everyone. The last thing he could possibly give was his blood and his life, and he offered it for us. This is very powerful.

How can people practice mercy in simple ways?

Each day brings new opportunities to practice mercy. Every small, good task and action we perform is an expression of mercy. It can be as simple as saying “good morning” or smiling to someone. Nowadays, these simple ways of sharing love and mercy with our neighbors are often forgotten. 

How can priests exercise mercy in practical ways in their ministry and parishes?

God has chosen and appointed priests to act in his name. As priests we need to keep asking ourselves: are our actions aligned with God’s will or are they based on our own will and what we personally desire to do?

I’m actively searching for possibilities to provide new channels and opportunities for people to come closer to God or return to God and experience his mercy, in ways that might not have been available before.

Could you share an example of merciful actions you promote for your parishioners?

In July this year we will celebrate a community wedding at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Many Catholics have been married and re-married outside the church and they have been unable to receive Holy Communion, in some instances for as long as 35 years.

Their concern is often the lack of financial resources to get married in the Church.

I believe my role as a priest is to be like a lawyer and advocate for them before God to gain his grace and mercy and mitigate the obstacles that prevent them from receiving the sacraments.

With the community wedding we will have six couples married during Mass at the same time, which will reduce the costs for each couple to a minimum. 

Jesus has been knocking at the doors of their hearts for a long time and now they are ready to receive him, through this new opportunity we are initiating.

God’s grace and mercy is available to all of us because we are God’s children. His mercy is not exclusive for religious or priests only. 

What are your words of encouragement to the faithful to celebrate the Divine Mercy Sunday, on April 7 this year?

Even though mercy is supposed to be preached and exercised every day, it is important for the Catholic Church to have one special day in the liturgical calendar that reminds us that God is always waiting for us. He is not only the source of mercy, but he is the remedy himself.

The mystery of God’s mercy is so unique. We can speak and preach about it to the best of our abilities, but a big share of this mystery remains hidden to us. We need to hope and trust.

At Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church we will celebrate this special day with Divine Mercy chaplet prayers, Holy Hour and the Sacrament of Reconciliation through which God dispenses his mercies.

What saint reminds you best of God’s merciful love?
Saint Mary Magdalene. She is an example and a proof that when we really want to amend our lives, God will help us undoubtedly.
 
We all are sinners, and some people have lived in sin for many years, but when we open our hearts to an encounter with the master, like Saint Mary Magdalene, I know and believe that he will make a huge change in the life of each person who comes to him. 

Jad Ziolkowska is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Photo: Fr. Rodrigo Serna recently prayed for Oneida Ibarra. Fr. Serna is an associate pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. Photo provided.