Courtesy Daniela Lee

In 1892, a small Episcopal mission was started in Provo. Standing today, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church has become known for its big heart and stained glass windows.

On Wednesday, congregants witnessed the ordination of 37-year-old Rev. Daniela Lee — or Rev. Dani as she likes to be called. St. Mary’s is her first assignment and she will be full time Priest-in-charge at the church.

“It was a unique experience. The service was around the Holy Spirit and how it changes the person. I do feel transformed by the Holy Spirit,” she said of the ordination ceremony.

Rev. Dani’s responsibilities include liturgical, pastoral and administrative issues — she has an obligation to give personal support, make sure budgets are in order and feed the congregation, spiritually.

Rev. Dani’s journey to the priesthood began in Romania, where she was born and raised. She has always been interested in religion and being close to God.

Courtesy Daniela Lee

“I grew up Baptist but left the church when I was a teen,” she said. “In my second year at university I was baptized into the Evangelical Lutheran Church.”

At Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai din Cluj-Napoca, in Romania, Lee studied Philosophy and received a Master’s degree in Ethics. In her last year at school, she came to the United States 11 years ago on a school/work visa and found a job in Key West Florida.

“I met my husband there. He was from Utah, born and raised in the LDS Church, but currently not practicing,” Rev. Dani told the Daily Herald.

The two fell in love and started a family. They have two children Amelia, 9 and Sebastian, 6.

Continuing to pursue her place in church, she attended seminary in Chicago.

Courtesy Daniela Lee

“One weekend a month we met in person, the rest of it was online,” Rev. Dani said. “Our Seminary was set up to do half of the work on Zoom so it was easier to transition to all Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

While the reality of having her own congregation is still sinking in — “I am just trying to get my sea legs,” she said — Rev. Dani said she has desires and goals for St. Mary’s.

She hopes to stick with this flock for a long time, leading to a focus on stability for herself and the congregation. “This is a team effort. We need to discern where God wants us to go,” she said. “I’m excited to meet everyone and get to know Provo.”

The one thing knows for sure is that she wants St. Mary’s to be a safe and affirming place, and for the church to remain solid and stable.

Rev. Dani was ordained by The Rt. Rev. Phyllis Spiegel, who was consecrated as the 12th Bishop of Utah on Sept. 17, 2022.

Spiegel is passionate about the Episcopal Church’s work of deepening discipleship through daily practices of faith, believing that deepening ones daily walk with God changes the way a person walks in the world.

Through the years, the congregants at St. Mary’s have been an important part of the Provo tapestry. Sunday services are held at 11 a.m. with an hour of fellowship following in the Parish Hall.

“Come to church to worship God, but it’s also important to forge friendships and foster kindness,” Rev. Dani said. “Everyone is welcome at St. Mary’s.”

On Tuesday, St. Mary’s will celebrate Shrove Tuesday or “Fat Tuesday” with the annual pancake dinner at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall. On Ash Wednesday, services will be held at noon and 6 p.m.

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