Fun and Romantic Weddings

Father Armando

Great Officiants | Catholic Wedding Priests

Father Armando Leyva

Catholic Wedding Priest with Deep Mexican Roots

A Lifetime of Faith, Service & Devotion to Ministry.

Meet Father Armando Leyva, an experienced Catholic priest whose extraordinary journey began in Chihuahua, Mexico, and has taken him from seminary studies to theological education in Rome and decades of pastoral ministry.

Ordained in 1988, Father Armando has dedicated his life to faith, community, and spiritual service.

In 1999, he founded the Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity, where he continues to serve as parish pastor.

Check Father Armando's Availability Meet Our Officiant Team
Father Armando Leyva, Catholic wedding priest and pastor with Mexican Catholic ministry experience

A Life Dedicated to Faith from the Very Beginning

Some people discover their calling later in life. Father Armando began his journey as a child.

Born in Namiquipa, Chihuahua, Mexico, Father Armando was raised by Augustinian Recollect priests beginning at the age of two.

Surrounded by faith and ministry from his earliest years, he developed a deep connection to the priesthood.

At just eleven years old, he entered the Minor Seminary in Sisoguichi, Chihuahua, beginning the formal preparation that would shape his life.

What began as a young boy's journey of faith grew into a lifetime devoted to serving others.

The Father Armando Wedding Ceremony Experience

Catholic Wedding Traditions

A lifetime of priestly formation and ministry grounded in Catholic faith and spiritual traditions.

Mexican Catholic Heritage

A rich cultural and spiritual background shaped by his upbringing, education, and pastoral service in Mexico.

Experienced Pastoral Leadership

Ordained in 1988, with decades of pastoral service and experience founding and leading a Catholic community.

From Chihuahua to the Priesthood

Father Armando's early priestly formation took him through several important religious institutions in Mexico.

After entering the Minor Seminary in Sisoguichi, he continued his education in Durango.

In 1978, he entered the Major Conciliar Seminary of Durango, where he studied philosophy.

He later continued his theological studies at the Major Seminary of Zacatecas from 1984 through 1988.

His years of preparation culminated in his ordination to the priesthood on July 24, 1988.

Father Armando's Priestly Formation

Birthplace
Namiquipa, Chihuahua, Mexico

Early Religious Formation
Augustinian Recollect priests

Minor Seminary
Sisoguichi, Chihuahua

Philosophy Studies
Major Conciliar Seminary of Durango

Theological Studies
Major Seminary of Zacatecas

Ordained
July 24, 1988

Ordained to the Priesthood in 1988

A sacred milestone after years of study, preparation, and devotion.

On July 24, 1988, Father Armando was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Hilario Chavez Joya.

The ordination took place in Santa Ana Namiquipa, Chihuahua, Mexico.

It was the culmination of a journey that began in childhood and marked the beginning of his formal priestly ministry.

Advanced Pastoral Studies in Rome

After his ordination, Father Armando served in the Prelature of Cuauhtémoc-Madera from 1988 to 1993.

His dedication to learning and ministry then took him to Rome, Italy.

From 1993 to 1994, he pursued postgraduate studies in Pastoral Theology at the Lateran University.

This international educational experience further deepened his theological understanding and pastoral formation.

International Ministry & Education

Pastoral Ministry
Prelature of Cuauhtémoc-Madera, Mexico

Years of Service
1988–1993

Postgraduate Studies
Pastoral Theology

University
Lateran University, Rome

Years of Study
1993–1994

Father Armando's Journey of Faith

Childhood — Chihuahua, Mexico Raised by Augustinian Recollect priests from the age of two.
Age 11 — Minor Seminary Entered the Minor Seminary in Sisoguichi, Chihuahua.
1978 — Philosophy Studies Entered the Major Conciliar Seminary of Durango.
1984–1988 — Theology Studies Studied at the Major Seminary of Zacatecas.
July 24, 1988 — Priestly Ordination Ordained by Bishop Hilario Chavez Joya in Santa Ana Namiquipa.
1993–1994 — Rome Postgraduate studies in Pastoral Theology at the Lateran University.
1996 — Los Angeles Moved to Los Angeles and helped establish a Hispanic community within the American Catholic Church.
May 1999 — Church Founder Founded the Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity.
Today — Continuing His Ministry Continues serving as parish pastor of the community he founded.

Bringing His Ministry to Los Angeles

Following his studies in Rome, Father Armando returned to Mexico.

He spent time working with the State Transit Department in the city of Chihuahua before beginning a new chapter in the United States.

In 1996, he moved to Los Angeles.

There, he helped establish a Hispanic community within the American Catholic Church, serving the growing congregation through 1999.

His work reflected his commitment to supporting the spiritual needs of the local community.

Serving the Hispanic Catholic Community

Los Angeles Ministry
Beginning in 1996

Community Development
Helped establish a Hispanic Catholic community

Church Tradition
American Catholic Church

Years of Service
1996–1999

Founder & Pastor of the Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity

A lasting legacy of faith, leadership, and service.

In May 1999, Father Armando founded the Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity.

More than twenty-seven years after its founding, he continues to serve the community as its parish pastor.

His leadership reflects decades of dedication to the people and families he has been called to serve.

From his earliest days in Mexico to his ministry in Southern California, Father Armando's life has been defined by faith and service.

Catholic Wedding Ceremonies Rooted in Faith & Tradition

A lifetime of priestly experience brings meaning and depth to the celebration of marriage.

Father Armando's extensive background in Catholic theology and pastoral ministry gives him a deep appreciation for the spiritual significance of marriage.

His formation in Mexico, advanced studies in Rome, and decades serving Catholic communities provide a meaningful foundation for wedding ceremonies that honor faith and tradition.

Couples interested in celebrating their marriage with Catholic elements can contact Great Officiants to discuss Father Armando's availability and ceremony options.

Father Armando | Catholic Wedding Priest in Los Angeles

Deep roots in Mexico. Decades of ministry in Los Angeles.

Father Armando has served Catholic communities in Los Angeles since 1996.

Through Great Officiants, couples interested in a Catholic wedding ceremony can inquire about his availability, ceremony options, and travel arrangements.

Request Father Armando

A Few Fun Facts About Father Armando

Get to know the priest affectionately known as Padre!

Favorite Quote "My life is Christ."
Favorite Ice Cream Coconut
Soundtrack to My Life Disco Music
Favorite Disney Movie The Lion King
Favorite Life Event His ordination to the priesthood on July 24, 1988.
My Nickname Padre

Celebrate Your Marriage with Faith, Tradition & Meaning

From his early religious formation in Chihuahua to his studies in Rome and decades of pastoral leadership in Los Angeles, Father Armando has devoted his life to ministry.

If you're seeking an experienced Catholic priest for a meaningful wedding ceremony, Great Officiants would be delighted to discuss your celebration.

Check Father Armando's Availability Meet Our Officiant Team
Scroll to Top