A native of Houston, he moved to Austin in 2009 to attend the University of Texas (UT).

“I found the University Catholic Center (UCC) and began attending Mass there in addition to getting involved with some student groups.… The UCC was the place in college where I encountered the Lord most profoundly and deepened my faith,” he said.

Deacon Noriega had begun to sense a calling to the priesthood during high school, and while at UT, the thought of the priesthood lay in the back of his mind, especially as he got involved with the Schoenstatt University Men, a Marian movement dedicated to helping people grow in everyday sanctity at the University Catholic Center. In 2018, while praying, he realized his core desires — to accompany and help people in the midst of suffering and help form society for Christ — would be best fulfilled if he were a priest.

“I am grateful for the Lord’s patience with me yet his unwillingness to give up on me, despite my stubbornness at times in responding to the call,” Deacon Noriega said.

He is looking forward to celebrating the sacraments with the people after his ordination.

“The sacraments are truly efficacious and powerful, and I look forward to especially celebrating the Mass and hearing confessions, uniting people to our Lord,” he said.