Fr John Mariano

Fr. John Mariano has devoted his life to serving and supporting others, especially the underprivileged and marginalized. Spiritual influences in his childhood deepened his faith and inspired his passion for missionary work. After graduating from UConn with a
degree in Psychology, he joined the Peace Corps. His training assignment was in Molokai, in the Hawaii, where Fr. Damien was one of the founders to ministry to the leper colony from 1873 until his death in 1889. Saint Damien de Veuster of Moloka’i |Franciscan Media Fr. John combined his scientific knowledge with his commitment to service by managing public health efforts, including tuberculosis and leprosy testing and other parasitic diseases. His final assignment was in Micronesia.

Father John continued his travels around the world to many places including Guam, Hong Kong, Malasia, India, Japan, Europe and more.

After returning to the United States, Father John taught in the public school system for 30 years before becoming a brother in SOLT (the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity), an international Catholic missionary community. After time in North Dakota and
Colorado, he continued his Theological studies in Rome, where he witnessed Fr. Damien’s canonization. Throughout his remarkable life of service, Father John sought to follow Fr. Damien’s caring for people’s physical, medical, and spiritual needs.

Following his true calling, Father John was ordained a Deacon in December 2012 and ordained a Priest in May 2013. He served the Hartford Diocese until his retirement in 2026.

He now continues to give his faith, knowledge and support to so many. He has truly had and continues to make a substantive impact on so many lives. We are blessed that he is now a part of the Enders Community,