Three Paulist novices were welcomed in a sign in ceremony held Aug. 23, 2024, during Mass at the Chapel of Mary, Our Blessed Mother, in Hecker House, the Paulist house of formation and studies in Washington, D.C.

Gerardo “Gerry” Anolio Suarez

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

He explained that the election of Pope Francis encouraged him to look into the Jesuits, which would lead him to the Paulist Fathers by the way of Fr. James Martin and his work with the Out at St. Paul’s ministry.

“They all seemed to embody the pastoral message of Pope Francis, and I found that very attractive,” Gerry explained after getting to know the Paulists. “In a way, I feel that all of the religious pit stops I have made throughout my life have led me to the Paulists. I feel that I am very much in tune with their spirit of evangelization.”

His hobbies include working out and going for walks. He also started a vegan diet to prevent animal suffering and for environmental reasons, he explained.

Fun fact about Gerry: He worked at Walt Disney World as a stage manager.

Marvin Antonio Ruano

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. He also graduated in June with a PhD in Business Management from National Taipei University of Technology.

Marvin holds an International Master’s Degree in Business Administration from National Taipei University of Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration / Human Resource Management from National Chengchi University.

Marvin explained he was drawn to the Paulist Fathers because of their modern approach to evangelization.

“I admire the openness of the Paulist Fathers, especially towards modern society, and their adaptability and willingness to address contemporary societal issues. They provide a ‘fresher’ perspective on what it means to be Catholic while still upholding core values,” he explained.

His hobbies are sports and outdoor activities, such as hiking, jogging, working out, and swimming.

Fun fact about Marvin: He attended Bishop Martin High School in Orange Walk Town, Belize, from 2003- 2007, where the future president of the Paulist Fathers Fr. René Constanza was his principal.

Joseph Ryan Solomon

Joseph is a native of suburban Chicago, Illinois. Most recently, Joseph was a FOCUS missionary at UCLA, primarily serving at the University Catholic Center, which is served by the Paulist Fathers. It was there that he worked closely with Paulists Fr. Jamie Baca, CSP, Fr. Mark Villano, CSP, and Fr. Stu Wilson-Smith, CSP. He also credits Paulist seminarian Chris Malano, CSP, with helping him understand the Paulist charism. 

Joseph served as a seminarian for the Diocese of Joliet from 2017 to 2021, receiving his Bachelor of Philosophy at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH, completing one year of Theology studies at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, IL, and serving a pastoral year at St. Raphael Church in Naperville, IL.

“I simply bring myself, a beloved son of God who desires to pursue his vocation to holiness through the Paulist Fathers, a community known for bringing people together and leading them to Jesus Christ through a personal encounter with them in their broken, imperfect humanity,” he explained.

Fun facts about Joseph: He has a 3rd degree black belt and was a former instructor in Taekwondo. As a religious education catechist, he recommended and referred others to Busted Halo, a Paulist Fathers multimedia ministry. Also, one of his favorite hymns growing up in his parish, “Ang Katawan ni Kristo/Behold, the Body of Christ”, was composed by Paulist Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP. He did not know at the time about the Paulist Fathers connection.