Fr. Hero was born in Lachine, Quebec and moved with his family to the city of Edmonton when he was 11 years old. He studied philosophy at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, BC and then began theological studies for the Archdiocese of Edmonton at St. Joseph Seminary. After obtaining a License in Spiritual Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, he was ordained to the presbyterate on June 29, 2000. Father served as an assistant at St. Theresa’s Parish in Edmonton, then as an assistant at Holy Family Parish in St. Albert, while serving as Vocation Director for the Archdiocese. He returned to Rome in 2003 and obtained a License in Liturgical Theology from the Pontifical Liturgical Institute at Sant’ Anselmo in 2005. Since the fall of 2005, he has been a member of the formation team at St. Joseph Seminary and an instructor at Newman Theological College. In the Fall of 2010, he was appointed as Vice Rector of St. Joseph Seminary. In the Fall of 2012, he was appointed Rector.
St. Paul described the ministry of being an apostle in these words:
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” (1 Cor 4: 1–2)
In helping men to discern God’s call and in forming future priests, I think that St. Paul’s description is helpful. The priest is entrusted with sacred mysteries: God’s word, God’s sacraments, ministry of priests. This is inspiring, but also humbling and freeing. God is doing amazing things through our ministry indeed, but God is doing it. It is in a humble, loving, trusting, joyful reliance on Jesus that the priest will be able to do what God asks for the building up of the Church and the spread of the Gospel of Salvation. He is serving a Mystery that is much bigger than himself.