On April 2, 2022, Friars Camilo CALLE RAMÍREZ and Leonardo José RÍOS MADERA, of the Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia, of the Province of Our Lady of Montserrat in Spain, were ordained to the diaconate by the Most Reverend José Crispiano CLAVIJO MÉNDEZ, Bishop of Sincelejo, Sucre Department, Colombia.
The ordinations took place at the Parish Church of Santa Clara de Asís in Corozal, Sucre Department. Corozal is where our confreres in Colombia have a mission and is also Friar Leonardo’s home town. Others present for the ordinations included the Provincial Custos, Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN; the Custodial Vicar, Friar Rafael GARAVITO PÉREZ; friars from various friaries in the Custody; some friars in formation; the families of the new deacons; and a large group of parishioners.
In his homily, the bishop exhorted the new deacons to always maintain an attitude of service and “not to forget that from now on they will always wear the dalmatic, which speaks to their status as servants. They must be like the salt of the Gospel, salt that gives flavor without being visible, that serves without being the center of attention”.
We thank God for the lives and vocations of Friars Camilo and Leonardo. We rejoice with them and pray that their ministry may always be fruitful.
Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN, Provincial Custos
