Fr. Joseph was born in 1981 in Los Angeles, California and grew up in the suburbs of Southern California. In 2003, Fr. Joseph joined the Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy and was ordained to the Priesthood in May 2010. He is a 2010 graduate of Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, a Master of Divinity Degree, and a Master of Arts in Theology.

Along with being the rector of the National Shrine of our Lady of Champion, Fr. Joseph is the founder of the Spiritual Motherhood Sodality as well as the founder of Family Vocation Ministries, an apostolate that promotes vocations through the sanctification of families. He has appeared on “EWTN Live” and “Life on the Rock” Catholic programs during which he discussed the importance of the Eucharist, the Priesthood, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He has also been interviewed by Catholic Newspapers and Periodicals such as the National Catholic Register and Religious Life Magazine.

(Recoded 12/18/2022)

On May 14, 2022, Br. Eric M. Cruz, made his Final Profession of Religious Vows as a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. The Mass was held at Holy Name of Mary Church. San Dimas, California. Very Rev. Lane K. Akiona, ss.cc., Provincial Superior of the SSCC US Province, received the vows in the name of the Church and of the Congregation. In his homily, Fr. Akiona mentioned, “Live in action the Heart of Jesus and Mary. Be inclusive, merciful, reconciling, compassionate, tender, and be filled with great hope as a sign that God’s power continues to work in and through you.”
The next day, on May 15, 2022, Br. Eric was ordained a deacon, at the same parish, by the Most Reverend David G. O’Connell, D.D., V.G., Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles, San Gabriel Region. Joined with him were the Fr. Akiona, the SSCC priests of California, and the deacons of Holy Name of Mary. The family of Br. Eric were also present to celebrate these momentous events. Bishop O’Connell said in his homily, “We are called by the Lord to have that love for the people. We need people to wash the feet of our beloved people, the beloved poor, the beloved suffering and ill, and those who are alone.” As a Filipino native, he grew up witnessing poverty and the continuous need of the people for help and compassion. This reality continues to inspire him to pursue his vocation to the priesthood. He was accepted in the congregation in 2014.
Deacon Eric will continue serving the Holy Name of Mary Church community for the duration of his pastoral year.