Fr. Ottmar Tovar-Almanza was ordained on May 18, 2024. After serving as the Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Selma, Texas, with Fr. Jeff Pehl as Pastor, Fr. Ottmar was assigned to St. Peter's Parish. OLPH has over 5,000 registered parishioners and a Catholic parochial school, so Fr. Ottmar came to St. Peter’s with great pastoral experience to share with us.

Born in Mexico City on February 14, 1993, Fr. Ottmar has lived in the United States since 2005. He completed his undergrad studies at the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC), earning a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry with a concentration in Philosophy. At Assumption Seminary, Fr. Ottmar earned a Master’s degree in Theology from the Oblate School of Theology, as well as a Pontifical Licentiate in Theology from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada.

Due to his vocation being a fruit of Medjugorje, Fr. Ottmar collaborates with Foundacion Centro Medjugorje (Medjugorje Center Foundation) via social media and as a writer of articles and theological reflections on Our Lady’s message. He also contributes to local Catholic Radio and Catholic Television in San Antonio. Fr. Ottmar’s devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was instilled in him by his mother.

While in priestly formation at Assumption Seminary, Fr. Ottmar and Fr. David, St. Peter's former Parochial Viar, met during their theological studies and lived across the hall from one another in Flores Hall. In addition, St. Peter's Knights of Columbus supported Fr. Ottmar through financial donations and prayers. Fr. Ottmar began his assignment at St. Peter's on July 1st.