Father Stephen Soares and his mother, Stella, who visits once a year.

Determining our calling or vocation in life is a challenge we all face. It takes time and great reflection to determine our path. Many have a good idea in our late teens and early twenties what that path is to be. For others it’s a lifelong quest and journey where we explore detours and opportunities.

The path can lead to great rewards, but also sacrifices. To the world at large the vocation of the Catholic priesthood is a calling that many do not understand and in many cases ridicule. But for the faithful, we know that our true home is not this world but ultimately the rewards of eternal life in heaven.

In our midst is a man from halfway around the world who chose a vocation to serve people of all nations and walks of life. Father Stephen Soares from the Lords Vineyard Parish in Dunkirk and Fredonia was born in Belgaum, India. India is a rich culture that is primarily composed of persons who follow Hindu (80%), Islamic (14%) and Sikh (2%) traditions, but is also home to a Catholic population that comprises approximately 2% of that nation. It is believed that Catholicism was introduced into India by Saint and Apostle Thomas. The great Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta who was born in Bulgaria, chose India as a missionary destination, and then a calling to serve the poorest of the poor. She became known throughout the world for her charity. So, the Christian tradition is small, but its impact is well beyond the numbers in the culture of India.

Father Stephen was ordained in India on April 13, 1997, into the Saint Francis DeSales order. When he was young and an altar boy he received his calling to give his life to God and to be a missionary priest.

This year in 2026 he celebrates 28 years of Priesthood. Before coming to the USA he served in several dioceses in India, in various capacities and then as a missionary in Mozambique, Africa, for three years, He came to USA in 2011 and served in Louisiana and as a chaplain to the correction centers in Alexandria, La., and then a parish in Florida. He returned to India and came to Buffalo on a temporary basis in 2019. He transferred permanently to the Diocese of Buffalo in February 2023 and the Blessed Mary Angela Catholic Church parish in Dunkirk. He speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Hindi, and as the only Spanish speaking priest in our family of parishes he serves as a vital link to our Hispanic community.

At our founding more than 250 years ago we were a missionary destination. This increased significantly as Irish, German and Italian immigrants came to our country. Once the church was established in the United States we then became a supplier of missionaries to less developed nations of the world. In the United States there has been a catastrophic decline in vocations to the priesthood. And we have once again become a missionary destination. Father Stepen fills that vital role in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area.

In addition to his parish ministry, he also reaches out to the homeless, the homebound, those in nursing homes and the hospital in Dunkirk. Personally, I hear his frequent call for people to come to the sacrament of Reconciliation or Confession. This is a part of virtually every sermon I have heard him preach. Within the Church it is the most important sacrament as we navigate the challenges of life. Once in a state of grace we are then able to receive the lifegiving sacrament of the Eucharist.

To me he is a very likeable and even funny guy whose use of words and expressions in English as a second language brings a chuckle and smile. He is very good at identifying people in need then asking those who may be able to help for assistance.

A former parishioner from Sacred Heart in Pineville, La., remembers Father Stephen fondly. “Everyone loved him at Sacred Heart. He was so kind, sincere and friendly. He trusted people and was there for them. He had a lot to learn about the U.S. and was eager to learn and was always asking questions.”

A current parishioner, Juanita Otero states, “He cares a lot for people to know what being a Christian really means. My friend and I pray with him and he visits the sick all the time. He loves to help people all the time … even going out of his way if needed.”

Within our community we are very fortunate to have the help of Father Stephen to help hold the line against the obvious decline of the Catholic church in our community, the Diocese of Buffalo and in many parts of the United States.

George H. Burns III is a Fredonia resident.