My name is Fr. Thomas Paul David Karaniwan Naval, youngest of three children born to Pacifico and Alita Naval. I was born April, 1965 in Manila, Philippines. I grew up in the Philippines and had my seminary formation there as well. At the moment, I am a member of the Religious Community of the Alagad ni Maria (Philippine Disciples of Mary). I was ordained on November 25, 1989 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Quezon City, Philippines.
I have spent the first 17 years of my priesthood involved as one of the founding group of the A.M. Religious Community. I have been able to assume the following roles: Council Member, Formator – Director of (Aspirant, Postulant, Novice, Professed, Students of Theology), Treasurer-Economer, Pastoral-Apostolate Director, and Vocations Director. In short, I have been called to a life of service.
Here in the Diocese of Orange where I began my ministry in June of 2007. I have been assigned as Parochial Vicar of St. Justin Martyr until June 2013 and then St. Irenaeus until May 5, 2014. It was a bittersweet moment for me but though painful we always have to follow where the Holy Spirit sends us.
As we journey together in faith, hope, and love, I can say I may not be able to please all of you but I surely hope and pray that I learn to love you my parish family with the love of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
God bless and take care.
Love and prayers,
Fr. Thomas Paul K. Naval