Father Roberto Montoro Sasía was born in Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico. In college, he studied administration and agronomy before entering the seminary; he holds a degree in spirituality and vocation from the Universidad Pontifica de México. He was ordained a priest on June 15, 2001 by Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera for the Archdiocese of Mexico. After ordination he held various positions in the archdiocese, including parochial vicar, vocations promoter, rector, spiritual director in the seminary, and associate dean.
He arrived in the Diocese of Salt Lake City in 2011, and served as parochial vicar of the parishes of Sts. Peter and Paul, West Valley City; St. Francis Xavier, Kearns; and St. Mary of the Assumption, Park City. He then was appointed administrator of San Felipe Parish, Wendover, before going to the Cathedral of the Madeleine as parochial vicar. He was priest in residence at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Magna, then became administrator of St. Bridget Parish, Milford, and its associated missions. In 2019 he was appointed administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in Salt Lake City, where he has served until now.
On Aug. 1 he will begin his new assignment as administrator of St. Henry Parish in Bringham City and its associated mission, Santa Ana in Tremonton.
Fr. Montoro speaks Spanish and English.
What would you like your new parishioners to know about you?
I find myself at a special moment in my priesthood, as it is my 25th anniversary; this time has allowed me to reflect more deeply on the gift God has given me, and I wish to continue responding to this call with gratitude, renewed enthusiasm, and greater maturity.
What are you looking forward to most about your new assignment?
It is a very profound question, nevertheless; it is not only arriving safe and sound, but to be in deep reflection and contemplation with our Lord Jesus, so that the plans and projects organized will be what truly is God’s will for us as a parish community – that’s what I long for – and as I do my best, so does the community for us to be integrated. I will arrive at my new destination – although with a whirlwind of emotions – open to getting to know this community rich in history, learning from its members, allowing myself to be shaped so I can become part of it, integrating into their projects, looking forward to humbly sharing my strengths and knowledge so that we may become a great family.
As a priest, what is your greatest challenge?
To remain in constant communication with my Lord Jesus, seeking his will for my priesthood, and to strive daily to transform myself into another Jesus in order to serve my brothers – sharing my personal experience with Him so that none of those entrusted to my care miss out on this transformative experience. Always accompanied by Our Lady of Guadalupe – who I know never leaves me, protects me, and walks with me – and who, like a wonderful mother, teaches me to be attentive to the voice of God my Father.
As a priest, what has been your most satisfying experience?
It is a common question – especially now, on my 25th anniversary – and many people expect me to single out one particular moment. However, the only thing I can say is that I have had fulfilling and satisfying experiences every day; the gift and blessing of celebrating the Eucharist, and the gift of living out the precious Sacrament of Reconciliation, where I have the opportunity to be God’s instrument in conveying his love and forgiveness. Across 9,132 days of priestly ministry, there isn’t just one fulfilling experience; there are exactly 9,132 experiences in which I encounter the presence, love, and protection of my Lord Jesus and my mother, Mary of Guadalupe.