Father Henry Ramirez’s joyful spirit is evident wherever he goes. With a huge smile and a warm presence, he makes those who approach him feel welcome. On Saturday, October 24, 2026, more than 200 people gathered at St. Joseph Parish in Newark, New Jersey, to celebrate his 25 years of priesthood.
Amid Mexican and Colombian dishes, music, and a delicious cake, parishioners celebrated his years of dedication and service to the people of God.
Twenty-five years have passed since a young, newly ordained priest asked his Claretian provincial superior to allow him to undertake a mission in Colombia’s most conflict-ridden areas, where armed conflict is part of daily life for many communities. It was there that he discovered his passion for supporting the families of victims of forced disappearance and helping to ensure their voices are heard.
His path later took him to France, where he pursued graduate studies in sociology. During his time in Europe, he also accompanied migrant and exiled communities, working on historical memory projects with people who had been forced to flee their countries due to violence.
Over the years, his calling led him to the United States, where he found a new way to continue his mission through advocacy work at the United Nations.
Fr. Henry currently resides at St. Joseph Parish in Newark, New Jersey, and is part of the Claretian mission to the United Nations, dedicated to issues of justice, peace, and the integrity of creation through the Solidarity and Mission (SOMI) team “There are those who need to be here building bridges so that the voices of victims and people in the field can be heard here.”
When we asked him where he sees himself in ten or fifteen years, his answer was clear: “I see myself working in the field of searching for missing persons.” His mission has changed in terms of setting, language, and community, but never in purpose: to bring the hope of the Gospel to those who need it most.
Today, as we celebrate his 25 years of priesthood, we also celebrate a vocation that reminds us that God’s call knows no borders and that serving others is a mission that can take us from the mountains of Colombia to the halls of the United Nations.
“I took my vows for the congregation. I did not take my vows for a country; I did not take my vows for a province. I am at the service of the congregation, and if the congregation needs me somewhere, I will be there without hesitation.”
