On March 16, 2024, Friar Leonardo José RÍOS MADERA, a member of the Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia, was ordained to the priesthood.
The ordination took place at Friar Leonardo’s home parish of Santa Clara de Asìs in Corozal, Sucre Department, Colombia. The Most Reverend José CLAVIJO MÉNDEZ, Bishop of Sincelejo, Colombia, presided.
The ceremony was attended by the Provincial Custos, Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN; all the Custodial Definitors; other friars; diocesan priests; and men and women religious. Also present were friends, relatives, and family members of the newly ordained priest, who came from around the country to attend. On March 17, Friar Leonardo celebrated his first Mass at the same parish church.
It is with great joy that the Church and the Order welcomes the gift of priestly ministry that the Lord has given to our confrere. Following the example of Jesus Christ, the supreme Good Shepherd, may Friar Leonardo be a docile and open shepherd, serving Christ through his Conventual Franciscan charism, making himself available to God’s people and loving them and bearing true, incarnational witness of the Holy Gospel.
Friar David TABARES VÉLEZ
