Diocese Of Joliet Ordaining 2 New Priests

JOLIET, IL — The Diocese of Joliet announced that Bishop Ronald A. Hicks will ordain two men to the priesthood at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus.

“I love being a priest,” said Bishop Ronald A. Hicks in Monday's news release. “It is my hope that these candidates for ordination to the priesthood — my first as the bishop of Joliet — experience as much joy and fulfillment as I do in following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.”

John Ronaldo Gabutan Abulag, 52, of Plainfield, was born in the Philippines, the son of Rodolfo Rodrigo Sanchez Abulag and Marlita Rosales Baldo Gabutan (deceased). He has six brothers and two sisters. He obtained a bachelor of sacred theology degree at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, as well as a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

He also holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Gingoog City Junior College, Philippines. His assignment at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet will begin on July 1. He will celebrate his first Mass as a priest at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday at St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield.

Sam Conforti, 64, of Lombard, was born in Chicago, the son of Aldo and Eleanor Conforti (both deceased). He obtained a master of divinity degree in 2021 from the University of St. Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary. He previously earned a law degree from Loyola University Chicago; a master of science in international business and a master’s in business administration, both from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla.; and a bachelor’s in business administration from Loyola University Chicago.

His assignment at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mokena will begin on July 1. He will celebrate his first Mass as a priest at noon on Sunday, May 23 at Christ the King Parish in Lombard.