SAINT JOAN OF ARC

OUR PASTOR

 

Father Nelson Rivera was born in Medellín, Colombia in 1978.He is the oldest son of two. Son of Martha Ossa and Gabriel Rivera. At the age of 15 he became Catechist teaching for first communion. At the age of 17 he begun his formation at the Mayor Seminary of Medellín, for the Archidiocese of Medellín. He got his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Pedagogy at the Pontifical Bolivarian University. Father Nelson also hold a degree as a Metallurgical Technician. He also studied Acting, and performed for about three years in Theatre. Father Nelson also was a Dance teacher, and Zumba instructor.

In 2008 Father Nelson came to USA of America, as seminarian for the Diocese of Worcester. He studied ESL at Clarck University, and after a year he went to Saint John's Seminary in Boston where he received his Master in Divinity. Father Nelson was ordained Transitional Deacon on December 18, 2010; and Priest in June 4, 2011.

Father's Nelson first assigment was in Saint John Paul II Parish, in Southbridge MA. He served there as an associate Pastor for three years. In July 2014, Bishop McManus entrusted him the care of the bethrem of Saint Joan of Arc.