Santiago de Compostela cLergy
Priests, following the Rite of Ordination, seek to lead God’s People in Love, nourish them by the Word and strengthen them through the Sacraments. Currently, Santiago de Compostela is served by two diocesan priests, Fr. Thomas Naval and Fr. Martin Vu, who live in the rectory at the parish. Norbertine Fathers, such as Fr. Gregory Dick,  from nearby Saint Michael’s Abbey also preside at Sunday liturgy.
In October, 2015, Santiago was blessed with the addition of two newly ordained Deacons; Deacon Dan Diesel and Deacon Ricardo Barraza. Deacon Dan and his wife Allison, and Deacon Ricardo and his wife Iracema, are also parishioners of Santiago de Compostela.

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

Fr. Martin Vu was born in Garden Grove, California and is part of the first class  ordained at the Christ Cathedral on July 27, 2019.

 

He brings the following degrees into his ministry:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, UCI
  • Master of Divinity at St. John’s Seminary, Camarillo
  • Master of Arts in Theology at St. John’s Seminary, Camarillo

It was in college that Fr. Martin rediscovered the beauty goodness, and truth of his Catholic faith, and it was also there that he heard God’s call to become a priest of Jesus Christ.


His priestly motto comes from Mary’s words in Luke 1:38 “Let it be done unto me according to your word.” Mary’s response of faith and obedience to the will of God is what he seeks to live.

 

His first priestly assignment is this community of Santiago de Compostela. He is excited to serve the family of faith here, and he humbly asks for prayers in order to be a true priest and shepherd of this community after the heard of Jesus Christ.

Deacon Dan Diesel has been a member of Santiago de Compostela since it was founded in 1979. In the 1980’s he served as the Parish Organist and directed two choirs. After that Dan was involved in coordinating Sunday Morning  

Pre-school and he established Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Dan has also been involved in various other ministries throughout his years of service.


Dan and his wife Allison live in Mission Viejo. They have four adult children and one grandchild. He earned a Bachelor Science degree in Business Administration, and Dan is currently the Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Business Strategy for a group of companies headquartered in Lake Forest.


Dan was called to the Diaconate in 2010 and was ordained in 2015. Diaconate is a call to service. He ministers in the community in various ways, including Musick jail and Freedom Village Retirement Home. Dan also helps coordinate the parish Liturgical Committee. Deacons are also called to serve in specific liturgical roles including presiding at Baptisms, witnessing marriages, assisting during funeral rites, and serving on the Altar during Mass. Deacon Dan hopes to continue to grow and serve the members of the Santiago de Compostela community.

deacon manuel espitia