Father Joseph Christy Celebrated His Silver Jubilee of Priesthood and 25 years as a Professed MSC.
Fr. Joseph Christy, MSC, was ordained as priest of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart on June 20, 2001, in Bangalore, India, at Holy Ghost Church (Our Lady of Perpetual Help).
He served in various ministries in India for about fifteen years, including assignments in several parishes, six years as a formation superior, and later as Provincial (Union Superior). In 2014, he began his ministry in the United States, serving in Watertown, New York. In 2019, he was appointed to St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Riverside, California.
Fr. Christy celebrated his Silver Jubilee of priesthood on June 19, 2026, at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes, with Msgr. Gerald Lopez, MSC confreres, diocesan clergy, MSC lay associates, and many faithful in attendance.
In his homily, Fr. Christy reflected on the vital role of family in nurturing vocations. He spoke about his seminary years as a time of learning, prayer, community life, and even sports. He also shared meaningful experiences from his pastoral ministry across different assignments, describing them as “Moments of Grace.” Friends and well wishers gathered from across neighboring areas, including the Dioceses of San Bernardino and Los Angeles.
Following the Mass, a reception was held in the parish hall, and approximately 280 people participated in the celebration. The celebration continued with a joyful gathering that featured delicious food and music, including singing by Fr. Christy and other priests.
Overall, it was a beautiful day of thanksgiving to God for His abundant blessings through the gift of the priesthood and a joyful celebration shared by all. Fr. Christy is ever thankful to God for his vocation in the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, and thankful for those who supported him in ministry and for those who made this celebration possible.
