Archdiocese of Toronto Celebrates the Ordination of Three Priests
On Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10 a.m., the His Excellency John A. Boissonneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, ordained three transitional deacons, Deacon James Cyfko, Deacon Alvin Joys, and Deacon Jesús Fidel Añón with the Sacrament of Holy Orders as they become priests of the Archdiocese of Toronto. The Mass of Ordination took place at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica.
Rev. Mr. James Cyfko, 27, was born and raised in Mississauga. He is blessed with seven younger siblings. When his parents, Leslie and Lorena, were children, they immigrated to Canada from Poland and Portugal, respectively. From a young age, James fell in love with the sport of hockey. His life revolved around the ice rink, the gym, and studies, as he invested countless hours, aiming to achieve an NCAA scholarship. Although he greatly enjoyed the life of a student athlete, he gradually realized he lacked a deeper peace. Whenever attending Mass, James could not shake the thought of giving his life as a priest. Although close to realizing his athletic and academic dreams, he decided that he should further discern what his heart was experiencing. After joining St. Augustine's Seminary, James studied at Toronto Metropolitan University, graduating with a Double Major in Arts & Contemporary Studies and Philosophy, with a Minor in History. He has treasured his seminary formation, and he is grateful for the calling to serve God and His people in the Archdiocese of Toronto.
Rev. Mr. Jesús Fidel Añón, 28, grew up in Murcia, a city in the south of Spain. He was born into a Christian family and has one older sister. When he was 14 years old, he became part of the Neocatechumenal Way and joined a community. After finishing high school, he went to college to study Pathological Anatomy, and upon completion worked in a laboratory. In 2016, he had an unexpected experience at World Youth Day in Poland; it was there that he felt the vocation to the priesthood for the first time. After some time of discernment, he went to a retreat with the Neocatechumenal Way in Porto San Giorgio, Italy, and from there was sent to the Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary of Toronto. He spent his first year learning English, and 2 years studying philosophy. After graduating, he went on mission for a year in Israel. He returned to the seminary to continue his theological studies. He spent one year of internship at Blessed Sacrament Parish. He was ordained a deacon on October 12th, 2024. In his fourth and last year of theological studios, he is looking to serving as a priest.
Rev. Mr. Alvin Thevalakkara Joys, 29, was born in India and moved to Canada with his family in 2000 at the age of four. Raised in a devout Catholic household, he grew up with a deep connection to his faith thanks to the formation of his parents. He is the eldest child in the family and has two younger sisters. His spiritual journey was greatly influenced by his involvement with Jesus Youth, a lay missionary movement he joined in grade eight which began to shape in him a desire to serve God. Alvin pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo, working in various software roles during his studies. Though the priesthood crossed his mind as a child, partly inspired by his uncle who is a priest in India, it was in his final year of university that he felt a profound call to discern the priesthood. In 2018, he entered formation, and over the past few
years, has experienced God's love and mercy in great ways. He eagerly anticipates sharing this love and working for the people of God as a priest in the Archdiocese of Toronto.
As a community of faith, let us offer our prayers for these five men ordained to the priesthood. Let us also continue to pray for all those who are currently in formation to the priesthood at St. Augustine’s Seminary and at the Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary. Learn more about St. Augustine's Seminary's work here.
