A native of Mexico who immigrated to the US when he was twelve, Dorantes felt that communicating with the media on the behalf of the Church was his calling, so while attending seminary, he worked for Telemundo’s local Chicago affiliate and later, for Univision.
In 2007, he was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate and served as a deacon at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Des Plaines. He later served as the Associate Administrator of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. In 2015, he made national headlines when he accompanied Pope Francis on his first trip to the United States, providing commentary in English and Spanish to many prominent media outlets. In June of 2017 he was appointed Strategic Advisor to the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communication, the newly created dicastery of the Holy See that oversees all of the Vatican’s communication properties.
Early Life and Education
Fr. Manuel Dorantes was born in Mexico. He grew up in a deeply religious family, which played a significant role in shaping his early spiritual and moral values. His journey to the priesthood began at a young age, inspired by his family's devotion and the vibrant faith community around him.
Dorantes immigrated to the United States as a child, settling in the city of Chicago, Illinois. There, he pursued his education, attending local schools and becoming fluent in both English and Spanish. His bicultural background would later become a cornerstone of his ministry, enabling him to bridge cultural gaps within the diverse communities he served.
Path to Priesthood
Fr. Dorantes felt the call to the priesthood during his teenage years. After high school, he entered the seminary to begin his formal training for the priesthood. He studied at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, a premier institution for theological education in the Archdiocese of Chicago. His seminary years were marked by rigorous academic study, spiritual formation, and pastoral training.
In addition to his theological studies, Fr. Dorantes pursued a degree in Journalism, recognizing the importance of media and communication in modern evangelization. This unique combination of skills would later enable him to effectively communicate the Church's message to a broad audience.
Ordination and Early Ministry
Fr. Dorantes was ordained to the priesthood in 2010. His early ministry was characterized by a deep commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. He served in various parishes within the Archdiocese of Chicago, where he quickly gained a reputation for his compassionate pastoral care, dynamic preaching, and ability to connect with parishioners from all walks of life.
Media and Communication
Recognizing the potential of media to spread the Gospel, Fr. Dorantes became actively involved in Catholic media. He used his background in journalism to write articles, appear on radio programs, and contribute to television broadcasts. His bilingual abilities allowed him to reach both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking audiences, making him a valuable asset to the Church's communication efforts.
Fr. Dorantes's media presence grew, and he became known as a "priest communicator." He leveraged social media platforms to engage with a younger generation, addressing contemporary issues and providing spiritual guidance in an accessible format.
Role at the Vatican
In 2016, Fr. Dorantes was appointed as an Assistant to the Director of the Holy See Press Office, working closely with Vatican officials to manage communications for the global Church. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping the Vatican's media strategy, handling press relations, and ensuring accurate and timely dissemination of information. His work at the Vatican showcased his ability to navigate complex media landscapes and communicate effectively on an international stage.
Current Ministry
After his tenure at the Vatican, Fr. Dorantes returned to the United States, continuing his pastoral and media work. He serves as a parish priest while maintaining an active presence in Catholic media. His ministry is marked by a commitment to evangelization, social justice, and fostering a sense of community among diverse groups of people.
Fr. Dorantes remains a passionate advocate for using modern communication tools to spread the message of the Gospel. His unique blend of pastoral care, media savvy, and cultural fluency positions him as a prominent figure in the contemporary Catholic Church.
Conclusion
Fr. Manuel Dorantes's life and ministry exemplify the integration of traditional faith values with modern communication methods. His journey from Mexico to the United States, his dedication to the priesthood, and his innovative approach to media and evangelization highlight his significant contributions to the Church. As he continues to serve, Fr. Dorantes inspires many with his unwavering commitment to faith, service, and effective communication.
