Philip-Michael Tangorra ordained a priest

Sparta — It was a packed house last Saturday at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Sparta where parishioners and friends watched one of their own, Philip-Michael Tangorra, become a Roman Catholic priest. “There were many different events in my life that pointed in the same direction. God calls and you answer. People want to look for more, but it’s that simple,” said the newly ordained 26 year old. After graduating from Pope John High School in Sparta, Tangorra attended the Westminster Choir College in Princeton to study operatic voice and choral conducting. But after his sophomore year, he transferred into St. Andrew’s Hall, the college seminary of Seton Hall University. “I knew there was something very special from the day he was born. He has a magnificent penchant for facts and history -he has always been committed to his faith,” said Barbara Tangorra, Philip-Michael’s mother. “We knew he was involved. He was always evangelizing,” adds his father Philip Tangorra. His parents, family and friends have supported his decision to become a priest: “My Mom replied ‘it’s about time’ when I told her; my best friend fell off his chair, but they all embraced it and understood it.” Tangorra also credits his great-grandparents’ influence with instruction of the Baltimore catechism. There are over 700 seminarians on the east coast, 62 of whom belong to the Archdiocese of Paterson. “A person becomes a priest to proclaim the word of God and bring forth the salvation of God,” Tangorra said. And it is a rigorous study and psychological journey that these young men endure. “I definitely had to suffer in seminary, but we are meant to know the costs.” Tangorra also studied in Rome, Italy, from 2005 to 2009 at the Pontifical Gregorian University. He has an STV degree which is an advanced degree in sacred theology, outranking a masters. “I am going back to Rome at the end of September for two more years to work on two degrees which will enable me to teach theology and write,” he said. “I am walking into this with an open mind. I am graceful for whatever comes my way. It has already been quite surreal and humbling.” “It’s a wonderful thing for our family. The whole family is being given a gift of God. I think we are truly blessed,” said Barbara and Philip Tangorra.