​MACC welcomes Father Juan Molina as new executive vice president

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Catholic News Agency

MACC welcomes Father Juan Molina as new executive vice president

The Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) announces the arrival of Father Juan Molina Flores, Ph.D., to begin his appointment as the executive vice president. Upon the nomination of President Arturo Chávez, the Board of Governors appointed Father Molina to the position in April. Father Len Brown CMF, current vice president, will continue to direct MACC’s academic program in Diaconal Studies.

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, enthusiastically announced, “MACC is very happy to welcome Father Molina — an extraordinary, national leader! We are also truly grateful for the longstanding support of the Claretians, especially in the dedicated service of Father Len. In close partnership with the archdiocese, he launched a model, bilingual program for diaconate formation that has prepared 70 men who now serve as deacons for the archdiocese.

Father Molina recently completed his tenure as the parochial vicar and parochial administrator in one of the largest parishes in the archdiocese, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Helotes. On the national and international levels, Father Molina served as a program officer for Catholic Relief Services and policy advisor and director at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In these roles, he traveled extensively throughout Latin America, Africa, and Europe, as well as travel to Asia. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics and a master’s degree in International Political Economy and Development, both from Fordham University, a Master of Arts/Master of Divinity with a concentration in spirituality from Washington Theological Union, and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Strayer University in Washington, D.C. Born in El Salvador, Father Molina speaks and writes both English and Spanish fluently and has dual citizenship in El Salvador and the United States. He was ordained in 1999, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Born in El Salvador, Father Molina speaks and writes both English and Spanish fluently and has dual citizenship in El Salvador and the United States. He was ordained in 1999, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Dr. Chávez commented on the providential timing of Father Molina’s appointment, saying, “In the midst of so much darkness, Father Molina’s appointment is truly good news. Even as we face the greatest challenges in our history, MACC envisions a future full of hope! There is much more suffering ahead, but with accomplished leaders like Father Juan and our dedicated team, MACC’s mission will endure. It is needed now more than ever!”

From its beginnings in 1972, MACC has been a pioneer in Hispanic Ministry. Over the decades, MACC has grown to become the premier institution for educating and empowering leaders for service in a culturally diverse Church and society. Collaboratively with Assumption Seminary, Catholic Church Extension, and the University of the Incarnate Word, MACC offers innovative programs that open pathways to higher education for ministry. As Communities of Color are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and systemic racism, MACC will continue to be an invaluable resource for the Church locally, regionally, and nationally.