On July 31, 2024, the friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico joyfully celebrated the diaconal ordinations of Friars Bernardino LÓPEZ FRANCISCO and José Manuel LUJANO MIRANDA. They were ordained through the imposition of the hands of the Most Reverend Francisco GONZÁLEZ RAMOS, Bishop of Izcalli, Mexico.
The ordinations took place at the María Inmaculada Friary in Cuautitlán Izcalli, State of Mexico. The newly ordained friars completed their theology studies and have now begun to put their diaconal ministry to good use. They are originally from different areas within the State of Guerrero in Mexico. Friar Bernardino comes from an indigenous community in the Amuzga Mountains, in the territory of the Parish of Xochistlahuaca, which is served by the friars. Friar José Manuel comes from the coast.
The celebration was well attended. Those present included many friars from the Province, the families of the newly ordained, and members of the communities of faithful entrusted to the Order. Also attending were several religious brothers and sisters, including some Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Tepeyac who led the hymns during the Mass.
During his homily, Bishop GONZÁLEZ RAMOS explained the readings heard during the liturgy of the Word and ended by focusing on the experience of celibacy. One particularly touching moment occurred after the rite of Ordination, when the bishop invited the Minister Provincial, Friar Mario CASTRO MARTÍNEZ, to approach the newly ordained friars and present them as deacons. The ordinations were followed by a celebration with festive food and music. The atmosphere was one of great joy. The new deacons have already been assigned to the friaries where they will live and continue their formation. May God grant them perseverance.
Friar Jorge HERNÁNDEZ DE LUNA
