Paulist Fr. René Constanza, who has served since 2018 as rector of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Grand Rapids, superior of the Paulist Fathers there and director of the Catholic Information Center in Grand Rapids, has been elected the next president of the missionary society of Catholic priests. In June, he will succeed Paulist Fr. Eric Andrews, who is completing his second, four-year term as president."I am deeply humbled and honored by the overwhelming support I have received from my Paulist brothers," wrote René in a message to his parishioners in Grand Rapids. "Despite the challenging and e xciting task ahead, I feel a pervading sense of peace knowing that the Holy Spirit is the one in charge of our community and its mission. It also is comforting to continue trusting in God who has always placed wonderful and talented people around me in every leadership role I have had."
A native of Belize, Fr. René is the son of Silvino Constanza, Sr., and Dionicia Constanza Tillett. He earned his undergraduate degree at Spalding University in Louisville, KY, where he studied biology and secondary education. He holds a Master of Arts in higher education administration from the University of Louisville, and a Master of Divinity from The Catholic University of America.
Prior to joining the Paulist Fathers, he was founding principal of Bishop Martin High School in Orange Walk Town, Belize. René was ordained a priest on May 19, 2012. From 2012 to 2016, he was associate pastor of St. Austin Catholic Parish in Austin, TX. Since 2018, he also has served as a member of the Paulist General Council.
