A day of celebration: Diocese of Tulsa welcomes new priest

On Friday night, Tulsa’s Catholic community came together for a rare and joyous occasion—the ordination of the only priest this year for the Diocese of Tulsa.

Despite the fact that only 3.5 percent of Tulsa’s population identifies as Catholic, Holy Family Cathedral was filled with an uplifting atmosphere of prayer, music, and joy.

As dozens of attendees were ushered into the cathedral, many arrived early to secure their seats for this significant moment, watching Deacon Robert Williams become the only man ordained to the priesthood this year in the Diocese of Tulsa. Local parishioner Sigriv Anaya expressed her excitement about the event.

“It’s always a blessing to have a new priest. We are a big family. He’s a priest for the whole church. I go to his home parish, Saint Anne Catholic Church, and I’m always very happy when we have a priest ordination,” Sigriv Anaya said.

Originally from Broken Arrow and a longtime parishioner at St. Anne Catholic Church, Robert Williams began his journey toward the priesthood six years ago, studying in Rome.

“So, tonight is a day that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Many years. Tonight, I will go up to the altar and offer my life on behalf of the church,” Robert Williams said.

Williams recently had the honor of serving as a deacon at a Mass in St. Peter's Square alongside Pope Leo, an experience he described as unforgettable.

"I got to deacon for the jubilee Mass of families in front of 70,000 people. It was amazing. I even got to speak with the Pope for a moment and mentioned Tulsa,” Williams said.

For Williams, this moment transcends personal achievement; it’s part of a larger mission.

“My hope is that in my priesthood, I would bring many people to a joyful life in Christ,” Williams said.

Sigriv Anaya shared her thoughts on the significance of the ordination ceremony.

"It's a big celebration here and also in heaven. We are very excited about this,” Anaya said.

Now ordained, Father Robert Williams will complete his theology studies in Rome before returning to Tulsa for his first parish assignment.

Father Williams will celebrate his first Mass on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Cathedral.