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June 6, 2024
Father's Day is June 16
Men are most of the authors in the Bible. All of these men describe themselves as prophets, shepherds, kings, fishermen, tax collectors, physicians, etc. Yet most of them do not speak of themselves as “dads.”
It is difficult and uncomfortable for most men to describe themselves as great fathers. They prefer to defer attention to other people who inspired them as role models such as their dads, grandfathers, priests, teachers or saints.
The following dads, a sampling from across the archdiocese, are similar – modest and somewhat reluctant about their accomplishments.
David F. Quintana
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Madill
Quintana is modest about his faith as a Catholic.
“I don't consider myself an example because like many people in difficult times, my faith falters and my mind weakens,” he said, “but my heart always struggles never to extinguish the flame of love for Christ.”
Quintana and his wife Adriana Trujillo are the parents of Ivanna, Jimena, David and Fabricio.
“Working to achieve holiness for myself and my family,” he said, “teaching my children religious vocations and the priesthood, it would bring great happiness if any of them decided on this path.”
Father Josué of the diocese of Matamoros once advised Quintana about being a dad, telling him, “David, teach them both sides of issues and in the future they will have to discern.”
Quintana said, “I followed the example of my grandfather, Felipe Alvarez, may he rest in peace.
Alvarez loved the church until his last day when he asked us to accompany him in praying the
Holy Rosary.”
He said he was also inspired by Hector Ruiz, who was his altar boy instructor from age 8 to 15. Ruiz, who is deceased, helped formulate a young Quintana to be a faithful young man, and to help youth and be a devoted dad.
“Father Raul Sanchez has awakened my hunger to know more about our church,” he said.
Adriana said, “He is an amazing man and is an excellent father and husband. He teaches our children every day, that God must be the center of our family. For our little ones, dad is always a superhero. Something I admire about him is that, David fears God. I will always be grateful to God for the man I have by my side.”
Zach Sutley
Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Norman
To say Zach Sutley and his wife Sarah are busy is an understatement. They have seven children ranging in age from 2 to 17: Jennifer, Michael, Benjamin, Emma, Zoe, Lucille and Abigail.
Zach is a native of Alaska, although he and his wife Sarah were married at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Norman and all the children have been baptized at their local parish.
While brought up in a strong Catholic family, David, like many young men his age, said it took time for him to embrace his faith. He said he was greatly inspired by his dad, whose actions, (not
words) always exhibited patience, faith in the church and unconditional love for the whole family.
He said he isn’t sure he will ever be the dad that his dad was.
Zach is enjoying the teaching and the challenges of working with his older children as their faith develops. He is also involved in religious education at Saint Joseph.
“One thing as parents we have to understand,” Zach said, “is for kids to really understand what it is to be a Catholic. It has to be more than attending weekly Mass and saying a few prayers. There is so much more.”
Sarah describes her husband as the best part of her.
“Zach is a strong, hard-working, and dedicated father and husband,” she said. “He’s also a great caregiver to his mother who has Alzheimer’s and to his father and two aunts.
“He’s active in our church and shows our children the importance of living our catholic faith. He’s kind, selfless and compassionate. He’s always willing to help a neighbor or friend. He works incredibly hard to provide for us. I could not have asked for a better husband and father for my children."
Said his oldest child, Jennifer, “I love his humor. He always makes me laugh when I'm feeling down. He's amazing. He always treats us so well I couldn't ask for a better dad.”
Benito Celaya
Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Ada
Celeya describes himself as someone who was born Catholic, will die Catholic, and really enjoys his Catholic faith.
A member at Saint Joseph parish since 1994, Benito and his wife, Catalina,
have three children – Benito, Jr., Aldaro and Cindy (Celeya) Veleasco. They also have six grandchildren.
Benito is active in parish life at Saint Joseph and said he’s been inspired by many pastors at his church, including the present pastor, Father Aaron Foshee. Benito has participated in parish programs such as the Good Friday Walk from Allen to Ada.
He describes his inspiration from two people, Saint Joseph and his own father.
“Saint Joseph was a great example for every father to follow. He wasn’t perfect and he was put into many tough situations, but he was patient, loved his wife. He did not quite understand everything but followed God’s will.”
As for his father, Benito said, “He really loved children, all 16 of them.”
Benito had 11 brothers and four sisters. His parents even adopted one of the 16.
“He was the perfect example for all his children.”
Said Catalina, “(Benito) has the gift of giving to others without expecting anything in return. He is always encouraging his family and supporting of anything we do.”
His daughter, Cindy said, “My dad is a blessing to my family. He has given my brothers and I unconditional love from childhood into adulthood. This has gone right down to his grandchildren. I could write a book of all the things my dad has done for his children and grandchildren.”
Charles Albert is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
