A homecoming like this is rare: an alumnus returning to celebrate Mass at the school where his own journey began.
Father Steve Baruffi, 75, an Our Lady of Good Counsel School alumnus of the first class to attend the school and a former parishioner, was recently ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Boston. Following his May 16 ordination, Father Baruffi returned to Our Lady of Good Counsel to concelebrate the school’s graduation Mass for the Class of 2026 alongside Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Father I. Mathias Kumar, parochial administrator.
Father Baruffi’s return held deep significance for the OLGC community, as his granddaughter Gabby, soon to attend Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, was among the graduates.
Father Baruffi’s journey demonstrates the lasting impact of Catholic education, faith formation and openness to God’s call. He entered the priesthood later in life, inspired by years of deepening prayer and service within his faith community and a growing desire to give back in a more profound way. After the passing of his spouse, Donna Chen, and upon retirement, he felt a renewed calling that he could not ignore, discerning this vocation with the support of his family and parish. He began his formation in 2022 at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass., a seminary dedicated to preparing seminarians aged 30 and older. Becoming a priest at the age of 75 illustrates that there are many paths to serving the church.
“There was something so special to have Father Baruffi concelebrate our graduation Mass,” said Robin Williams, principal. “What a true blessing and honor to welcome an OLGC alumnus home to celebrate such a meaningful Mass with our community. It was quite beautiful to witness Father Baruffi handing his granddaughter her diploma. Witnessing such a beautiful exchange is an experience I won’t ever forget”
Reflecting on his time at OLGC, Father Baruffi said, “A favorite memory of mine as a student was preparing for and making my first holy Communion and participating in our May procession and the crowning of Our Blessed Mother. Our Lady of Good Counsel is our powerful, benevolent, holy and loving protectress and intercessor. May we never forget her goodness, for she is our Mother.”
When asked what surprised him most about becoming a priest, Father Baruffi said, “How God’s transformative love has given me another, unique opportunity to serve him. My new life is just beginning, and I am excited and energized to get to work.”
Students, teachers and parishioners were inspired to see a member of their community return in a new role of service to the church. “It was really special to see Father Baruffi come back and celebrate with us, and he is related to our classmate,” said eighth grader Luke Kinyon. For Father Baruffi, the visit was deeply personal.
“Coming back to OLGC school and parish is, in a real sense, coming home,” he said. “All of my formative years revolved around OLGC. My father, a builder, helped with the construction of the school. My mom was a member of the sodality, and my grandparents, who were bakers by trade, baked for the students in the cafeteria kitchen. Every time I return, I am amazed and grateful to the Oblates, the Sisters of St. Joseph and our wonderful lay teachers and staff for their dedication and love for God’s children.”
“Having Father Baruffi concelebrate our graduation Mass was a moment of great pride and joy for our OLGC family,” said Father Kumar. “Seeing him return as a newly ordained priest is a powerful reminder that God continues to call and bless his people through our parish. For our graduates, his presence was a beautiful witness that God has a unique plan for each of us and that extraordinary things can grow from the faith nurtured here at OLGC.”
As he begins his priestly ministry, Father Baruffi said he eagerly anticipates sharing Christ’s love with others. “I am most excited about being able to share the love of Jesus Christ with our brothers and sisters through the sacraments and through day-to-day encounters with those whom God places in my path.”
