Deacon Mario Guerra

Deacon
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Deacon Mario and Ann Guerra have previously served in ministry for 10 years at St. Raymond’s in Downey and another 10 years at St. Linus in Norwalk.

Dn. Mario came from Cuba on one of the first “Viaje De Libertad” (Freedom Flights) and was raised locally. He was elected and served as Mayor for the City of Downey twice. He was the first immigrant and refugee to be elected to the Downey City Council and as Mayor in the 150-year history of the city. Dn. Mario currently serves as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Army Secretary Christine Wormuth. He carries a 3 Star General Protocol in his Army position and is the liaison representative for the Army in California.

Dn. Mario had the distinction of being the only Catholic Clergy to hold elected office in the country for 8 years. He was ordained in 2002 and was one of the youngest Deacons ever ordained at that time. Along with his Army duties he currently serves as Chaplain of the Downey Police Department (since 2002) and is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains. Mario is also the author of Embracing Change: An Immigrant Saga.
Dn. Mario and Ann have been married 38 years and live in Downey, where they raised their five children (all attended Catholic schools) and are proud of their four grandchildren. They enjoy a fun family rivalry since Ann is an Alum of USC and Dn. Mario is from UCLA.

Their past ministry services include several social justice issues and include Angel Tree, RCIA, Tijuana Orphanage, Baptism ministry, weekly sandwich program, Food Pantry, Deacon Regional Council Chair, Finance and Pastoral Councils for the Archdiocese.