Albert B. Cuglietta

Friday, Jul. 04, 2025

Father Joven Opalda was born in Manito Albay, the Philippines. He attended St. Joseph Regional Seminary in Iloilo City and Sr. John Mary Vianney Seminary in San Carlos City, Negros Island, as well as Manila Central University in Manila and the Bicol Christian College of Medicine in Legazpi City, Philippines. He holds a medical technology degree and a Doctor of Medicine in addition to a bachelor’s degree in theology and a doctoral degree in philosophy. He was ordained a priest on May 28, 2012 by Cardinal José F. Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, for the Diocese of San Carlos City, the Philippines. 

After assignments as parochial vicar at several parishes, he was appointed formation director for San Carlos Diocesan Seminary. He then served two years as a parish priest before being named superintendent of diocesan schools. He was a hospital chaplain for a year before coming to the Diocese of Salt Lake City in 2024. Since January he has served as temporary administrator of Saint Helen Parish in Roosevelt; on Aug. 1 he will become administrator of Saint Helen Parish in Roosevelt and its associated mission.

Fr. Joven is also serving a three-year term as spiritual advisor to the Eastern Deanery Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

Fr. Joven sees his role of bringing the Lord Jesus to his parishioners as a sacred stewardship. 

“I am a diocesan priest in communion with the people I am serving in the parish, bringing the Lord Jesus to them through the Holy Eucharist, the Mass, the source of physical and spiritual nourishment, the grace we need to follow Jesus and offer ourselves to him,” he said.

Healing the sick is an important responsibility of being a priest, he said. “I am the Lord’s disciple. One of my missions as a priest is to heal the sick. This command of the Lord in his earthly ministry is not only about physical sickness (in the hospital), it is a holistic command of healing and physical restoration of those ‘tired souls’ in life’s journey, giving the healing through the sacraments of the Church, restoring them to be whole again in faith, giving them hope in Christ (in persona Christi).”

As well as preparing his homily in English and Spanish for weekend Masses, Fr. Joven enjoys getting the church ready for these celebrations and making sure there are fresh, green plants and flowers on the altar.

“I like liturgy,” he said. “I like preparing the church in advance for Sunday celebrations.”

He also appreciates working alongside his parishioners. “I like to empower my parishioners to work joyfully — sharing and entrusting them with some Church work and responsibilities, delegating to them to learn the spirit of stewardship, serving the people with joy and by heart,” he said.

Physical fitness and taking care of his body is important to Fr. Joven.  He enjoys jogging and working out.

“I am fond of physical fitness and exercises. I am very aware about my physical health and safety and preventative measures for good health,” he said.