Ricardo Gutiérrez is an economist and entrepreneur with extensive experience in various sectors. His life has been marked by professional commitment, faith, and family. Fifty years ago, he married Elsy Dangond, with whom he has built a strong family, raising three children and seven grandchildren. Educated by the Jesuits in Colombia, his education strengthened his principles and trust in God. His faith is his daily guide, inspired by a wise Spanish priest and symbolized by the crucifix before which he prays each day. For him, Jesus Christ is the true architect of his achievements.
Fr. Gabriel Afumbom Tokoh is a priest from the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon, Africa. He was ordained on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, after completing his Philosophical and Theological studies at St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Bambui, Cameroon, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in both Philosophy and Theology.
In May 2024, Fr. Gabriel graduated with a master’s degree in leadership and administration from Woods College of Advancing Studies at Boston College.
Since his ordination, Fr. Gabriel has served in various capacities, including:
- Pastor of St. Clémentine Anuarite Parish in Yemge (August 2016 - August 2018)
- Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Ntaghem (August 2018 - December 21, 2022)
During his time in the Archdiocese of Bamenda, Fr. Gabriel also held several additional roles, such as:
- Member of the Presbyteral Council
- Teacher of Scriptures to three Religious Houses
- School Manager
- Chaplain to the Catholic Men Association (CMA)
- Dean in two deaneries of the diocese
Currently, Fr. Gabriel serves as Parochial Vicar at St. John-St. Paul Collaborative in Wellesley.
Kelly Meraw is the Director of Liturgy, Music, and Pastoral Care for St. John - St. Paul Collaborative in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Kelly earned her Master’s Degree from McGill University, where during her undergraduate studies, she was received into the Catholic Church through the RCIA program at St. Patrick’s Basilica in Montreal, Canada. Kelly brings her deep love of scripture, liturgy, music, and devotion to Church teaching and tradition to her ministry.
In her parishes she leads bible studies; organizes faith sharing circles and social justice initiatives; leads communion, wake and committal services; offers adult faith enrichment programming; and shepherds bereavement ministries.
Currently she finds the undeniable movements of the Holy Spirit and great hope in the process of living as a deeply listening Church. After this first session of the Synod on Synodality she will continue to engage in the communal discernment process offering fulsome and inclusive ways to serve the Church’s current Synod.
Claudia and her husband Juan have shared many wonderful years together in Houston. As their four amazing kids are almost all gone to college, the couple is finding joy in spending more time in Claudia's hometown of Valledupar, Colombia, embracing the chance to be closer to their family.
A passionate entrepreneur, Claudia's spirit shines through her flourishing online women's accessories business. Though the past four years have brought with them the challenge of chronic pain, she has persevered, her faith unshaken. Through this journey, her relationship with God has blossomed, and she is filled with gratitude for the blessings in her life.
In the face of adversity, Claudia remains a beacon of hope and acceptance, understanding that His Will guides her path. With unwavering optimism, she openly shares her testimony, inspiring others with the knowledge that, through faith and love, things can always get better.
Daniel Dangond was born in Boston, MA and is the brother of our founder, Christina Dangond. He has a Bachelor degree in Computer Science and Competitive Media Studies from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Daniel is currently a Senior Innovation Engineer at PTC in Boston,MA.
Peter grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts with his two sisters and three brothers. In his free time, He enjoy playing and watching sports. he also enjoys hiking, skiing, and reading. He first heard the call to the priesthood shortly after graduating college and was ordained a priest on May 20th, 2024.
Maria Eugenia was born in Caracas, Venezuela, the oldest of four siblings. She lives in Bolton, Massachusetts with Alex, her husband of 22 years, and Rocky, their 2-year old French Bulldog. Alex and Maria Eugenia are parents to twin boys Carlos and Luis, 18, both college Juniors. Maria Eugenia was raised in a Catholic family, though her Catholic faith had not always been present in her life. Maria Eugenia was inspired by Christina’s journey and by the beautiful way in which her parents and close friends choose to maintain her legacy. Christina’s faith has reframed her perspective of life and has given her a newfound source of strength and purpose.
Leiri Bocanegra was born in Villalba, Puerto Rico but now resides in Massachusetts with her Husband and four children. Leiri and her husband Gustavo met in their parish youth group, "Agape," and have been serving together ever since! You can usually find them singing together at church events and retreats! Leiri works as the Coordinator of Outreach and Evangelization for St. Mary's Parish in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She also has a nursing background in both Geriatrics and Pediatrics. She has been a member of the Holy Family Institute for six years and enjoys Family Ministry. Her biggest accomplishment has been becoming a mother. She enjoys being able to use social platforms to help other Catholic mothers connect and assist one another through the wonderful vocation of motherhood!