Three new novices “signed in” during a Mass on Friday, August 23 at Hecker House, our seminary in Washington, D.C. They are Marvin Antonio Ruano, Gerardo “Gerry” Anolio Suarez, and Joseph Ryan Solomon.

Marvin is a native of Belize. He recently resided in Taipei, Taiwan, where he was a teacher and tutor for adults at the Time International Language Center. In June, he earned a Ph.D. in Business Management from National Taipei University of Technology. He also holds a Master’s Degree from National Taipei University of Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree from National Chengchi University.

Gerry is a native of Miami, FL. He recently was a senior academic adviser at the University of Miami. He holds a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts Management and a Bachelor of Arts Degree, both from Florida International University.

Joseph is originally from the suburbs of Chicago. He recently was a FOCUS missionary at UCLA in Los Angeles, primarily serving at the University Catholic Center. He was a seminarian for the Diocese of Joliet from 2017 to 2021. He completed two-year Pre-Theology studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH; one year of Theology studies at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, IL; and served a pastoral year at St. Raphael Church in Naperville, IL.