Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

Bishop Edward Weisenburger has announced the transfer of two priests in the Diocese of Tucson. Father Mike Martinez, the pastor of Our Lady of the Mountains in Sierra Vista, will trade places with Father Francisco Maldonado who has served at Our Lady of the Valley in Green Valley and Most Holy Nativity in Rio Rico. The swap will take place in July. Of the move, Fr. Martinez said, “Serving God’s people and being part of their lives is a great gift. It is where faith, hope, and love are shared and experienced. Change is not always easy, and it can be hard to say goodbye to people one has grown to care about. I know that the new incoming pastor will be welcomed with open arms and will lovingly serve his people. I know that God’s people are everywhere and now I will prepare to serve the people of Our Lady of the Valley parish. I look forward to meeting them and serving them as we all strive for holiness and union with the Lord and each other.”

In addition to the movement of Fr. Martinez and Fr. Maldonado, Bishop Weisenburger also announced Fr. John Gonzales, who has been serving as administrator of St. John Neumann, is now their pastor.