Padre Ernesto

• Profiles of Success Hispanic Leadership Awards

Padre Ernesto

2025Premio Espíritu y Cultura

Premio Espíritu y Cultura

Awarded to someone who has made significant contributions within the fields of the performing or visual arts, the culinary arts, sports or other important cultural fields.

About

Padre Ernesto

Father Ernesto Reynoso, JCL, is known as the “Father of Artificial Intelligence in Catholic Elementary Schools.” On October 28, 2020, Fr. Ernesto initiated one of the most ambitious projects for elementary schools in the state of Arizona: implementing A.I. to serve minority students. On September 23, 2023, an $8 million, 10,000-square-foot STREAM building was inaugurated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glendale.


He understood that global industries increasingly rely on A.I. technology. The United States has long been a pioneer of innovation, and we hope to continue contributing by forming future professionals who carry both faith in God and integrity of life—merging A.I. with Ethics. Our long-term goal is to help our students secure future employment, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and support the mission and vision of the school: to form students through integral education. This is a shared vision between our pastor and principal—that our students become men and women of integrity and be considered by their character who work for the common good and leave the world better through emergent breakthrough technologies.

In our hands, we hold future minority leaders—individuals who will tackle the scarcity of water in arid regions, predict the spread of viral diseases, clean the oceans, and revolutionize food distribution.


Rooted in the pursuit of truth through theology, technology, and philosophy, Fr. Ernesto earned a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Media from The University of Texas at El Paso. His academic journey continued at the seminary, where he obtained dual master’s degrees in philosophy and divinity—building a unique bridge between intellectual inquiry and spiritual formation. His commitment to community uplift through high-tech and education reflects the heart of Latino resilience: grounded in faith and powered by knowledge and opportunity.


Before entering the priesthood, he cultivated a distinguished career in Information Technology. In 1998, he joined Motorola’s Semiconductor Products Sector in Tempe, Arizona, serving as IT Software Engineer III and Intranet Development Lead within the Enterprise Architecture and Tools Division. His technical leadership earned recognition across Motorola’s global operations, embodying the spirit of innovation and professional excellence that Latinos have long contributed to the corporate world.


His work in IT gained international acclaim, with projects featured by institutions including the Smithsonian Institute, the University of London, the Netherlands' Koninklijke Bibliotheek, the National Geographic Society, The New York Times, and Stanford University. He was invited to speak at major conferences, including the White House/U.S. Department of Commerce, NASA’s Network Resources Training Site, Michigan State University, and the American Association of Higher Education—offering a voice that represented not only technological advancement but the rich creativity of Latino culture.


He pursued advanced studies in Canon Law at The Catholic University of America, earning the Juris Canonici Licentiatus in 2011. Upon returning, he was appointed by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted as Adjutant Judicial Vicar and Ecclesiastical Judge for the Diocese of Phoenix. His expertise in ecclesial law is widely respected, evidenced by national and international speaking engagements, including his presentation on “The Phoenix Tribunal Experience” at the 2018 Annual Convention of the Canon Law Society of America.


With 18 years of priestly ministry advocating for Latino Catholics, his pastoral responsibilities have been far-reaching, including leadership roles in the Priest Placement Board, Presbyteral Council, College of Consultors, Priest Assurance Association Board, the Diocesan Ethics Board Ad Hoc, and as Censor Librorum ad casum. At the Kino Catechetical Institute, he guided Hispanic adult learners through courses in Canon Law, Christology, and Moral Theology. Recognized with the “Chaplain of the Year” award by the Arizona Knights of Columbus State Council in 2009, he continues to serve as chaplain for both EnFamilia Radio and the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL)—radiating pastoral care that blends joy, justice, and cultural heritage.


His media presence spans continents, hosting programs on EWTN EnEspañol such as Dos Padres Bien Padres and on the Global Radio Network with Desde la Parroquia. These platforms allow him to reach thousands, offering faith-filled content rooted in Latino warmth, family bonds, and spiritual depth. Whether through media or personal ministry, his presence carries an enduring message: our cultural identity is not a limitation, but a profound gift from God to the world.


He believes deeply that Latinos are a blessing to our country—promoting faith, family values, friendship, fiestas, and fabulous innovative ideas; values and skills that are so needed in our nation.


Learn About Profiles of Success