From the Diocese of Reno, Fr. Arlon M. Vergara, OSA, a Filipino Augustinian missionary in the United States from the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu, has been installed as the new Nevada State Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus. This honor is the highest religious office awarded by the State of Nevada Knights, a fast-growing fraternal jurisdiction with nearly 7,000 members.
The formal presentation took place on July 15, 2023. It was presided over by The Most Reverend Daniel H. Mueggenborg, DD, Bishop of Reno, and the Nevada State Deputy Meynard Infantado. It was there he received the symbolic jewel of office, which, in his own words, will help him focus on his total commitment to Christ so that he can bring his Brother Knights intimately closer to Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Fr. Vergara is currently the Parochial Vicar at St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church, and the Traditional Latin Mass Priest of the Diocese of Reno, NV. His pastoral work and impact extend well beyond his parish boundary. He is a strong advocate for the canonization of their fraternal founder, the Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney, and helps more than 45 active councils promote the growth and spiritual life of the fraternal Order. He believes this is God’s way for him to work harder, not to live in idleness, to expand his missionary work.
Prior to accepting this new responsibility, Fr. Arlon served as Associate State Chaplain from July 2019 to June 2023 and was recognized as a State Chaplain of the Year in 2021-2022. Vivat Jesus!
(WSES Russell Bernhardt)
