Gulf Pine Catholic • July 11, 2025 17 Meet the Diocese’s new Permanent Deacons Age 60, married to Olga L. Rivera Rivera, and father of two, Deacon Gil Díaz González serves at Sacred Heart Parish in Pascagoula. An electrician by trade, he is actively involved in multiple ministries including altar serving, choir, baptism preparation, and as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Gil felt called to the permanent diaconate in 2010 while doing mission work with the Lumen Dei religious order in Puerto Rico. Encouraged by his wife’s simple but supportive response -- “Go for it” -- he embraced this vocation with confidence and dedication. He values the correction and community experienced during his formation and sees balancing his roles as husband, father, and deacon as a sacred mission. Deeply grateful to God and inspired by his Catholic upbringing and youth ministry, Gil continues to serve through music, hands-on work, and teaching spiritual exercises. His journey is marked by a heartfelt desire to serve others and share freely the gifts he has received. Deacon David Hebert, 51, serves the parish community of Most Holy Trinity in Pass Christian alongside his wife, Marcia. Originally from the western part of Massachusetts, they moved here in 2007 after David graduated college and is currently an oceanographer with the Navy at Stennis Space Center. Though they have no children, David’s life is deeply rooted in service, both in his professional and spiritual callings. David’s journey to the permanent diaconate was a gradual one, growing out of his increasing involvement in parish ministries such as Lector, RCIA coordination, adult education, Bible study, and hospital ministry. He felt a deeper call to walk closely with others through life’s challenges and saw the diaconate as a path to live out that calling. Encouraged by Marcia, who was excited by his decision, David embraced this vocation with openness and faith. Throughout his formation, David was especially grateful for the supportive community of classmates, mentors, and instructors who walked with him on this journey. One of the biggest surprises along the way was how his call to the diaconate drew him and his wife even closer together. Friends and co-workers have responded with enthusiasm and curiosity, opening doors for conversations about faith and the role of deacons in today’s world. As he looks ahead, David is most excited about serving the Lord and bringing God’s love to the community in all aspects of life. When he’s not working or ministering, David enjoys baking and cooking -- sharing his talents and hospitality with others. If he had to sum up how he feels at this moment, one word comes to mind: open. Deacon Elmer Hernandez, 45, is a devoted husband to Dinora Ascencio and a proud father of two. A skilled handyman by trade, he serves faithfully at St. Alphonsus Parish in Ocean Springs, where he is active in the music ministry, and serves as both a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Elmer first felt called to the permanent diaconate after receiving a letter of invitation from Father Sergio Balderas. Encouraged by his wife’s full support, he embraced the journey with faith and commitment. What confirmed his calling even more were three different people -- on separate occasions -- asking if he had ever considered becoming a deacon. His formation experience was marked by the dedication of the instructors and the deep sense of brotherhood among his peers, despite language barriers. Throughout the process, he has felt “blessed” and inspired by the strength and wisdom of the Holy Spirit guiding the Church, and has grown increasingly aware of the urgent need for evangelization. Elmer’s friends and co-workers have responded to his calling with empathy, and he looks forward to serving God by bringing love and hope to his community through the Gospel. His advice to anyone considering the diaconate is to bring the calling to prayer, remembering Jesus’ words: “I came to serve, not to be served.” In his free time, Elmer enjoys repairing cars, carpentry, reading, and watching videos about the lives of the saints. He is someone who trusts deeply in the Lord, listens to others, and is always ready to lend a helping hand. Deacon Roy William Leonard, O.P., is a 67-year-old who retired from the U.S. Government and is devoted family man, married to Carrie Lynn Leonard with four children and eight grandchildren. A member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Laurel, Roy serves through multiple ministries including Feather Haven Farms, OCIA, and as assistant to the Director of Faith Formation. Feeling called to the permanent diaconate in 2018 after being encouraged by his priest, Roy describes his journey as one of growing “in Christ with my brothers in Christ.” His wife’s unwavering support helped him embrace this path fully. He encourages those discerning the diaconate to seek God’s guidance through prayer. Roy’s favorite part of his ministry is proclaiming the Gospel and offering blessings. Alongside his faith commitments, he enjoys farming, woodworking, drawing, blacksmithing, and cooking. An interesting fact about Roy is that he once briefed the White House daily -- an experience that adds a unique dimension to his rich life story. Feeling “blessed and thankful,” Deacon Roy Leonard continues to serve his parish and community with humility and joy. Deacon Javier Eduardo Marroquin, 58, serves the Sacred Heart parish community in Hattiesburg where he is active in ministry as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Lector, and in Eucharistic Adoration. Married to his beloved wife Lorena, they share a life filled with faith, family, and love, including their three children and two grandchildren. Professionally, Javier works as a Controller at a manufacturing plant, balancing his demanding career with his deep commitment to the Church. His journey to the permanent diaconate began about 15 years ago, sparked by a quiet but persistent feeling that he was being called to something greater. With Lorena’s unwavering support -- whom he describes as a pillar throughout the journey -- he embraced the call. His formation in the diaconate program was a source of joy and spiritual growth. “Each monthly meeting felt like a retreat,” he says, noting how the community, learning, and faith-sharing deepened his devotion. When asked how he feels now, one word comes to mind: Excited. He looks forward to being an instrument of God in his ministry. Javier offers this advice to anyone discerning the call: “If the call is there, the Lord will make sure it happens at the right time.” Outside of ministry, he enjoys gardening, grilling, and spending cherished time with Lorena and their grandchildren. One of the most touching stories from his life is how he first pursued Lorena as a teenager. In a bold effort to get closer to her, he volunteered to teach catechism -- despite having no experience. That leap of faith not only led to their lifelong love but also deepened his relationship with the Church. What began as a teenage attempt to win her heart became a transformative step toward his vocation. Today, continues to live out that vocation with humility, gratitude, and a heart open to serving God’s people. Deacon Michael E. Martin, age 61, serves as a devoted member of Sacred Heart Parish in Pascagoula. Married to Melanie A. Martin with whom he shares two children, Sara and Michael. Mike balances his professional life as a distributive systems analyst with his deep commitment to the Catholic Church. SEE PERMANENT DEACON BIOS. PAGE 18 Gonzalez Hebert Hernandez Leonard Marroquin Martin
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