On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Provincial Custody of Our Lady of Coromoto in Venezuela joyfully celebrated a special event: Friar Gabriel José GARCÍA GONZÁLEZ was ordained to the diaconate, in service to the Church and the people of God.
The ordination was conducted for the glory of God by the Most Reverend Lisandro Alirio RIVAS DURÁN, Bishop of San Cristóbal de Venezuela. The ceremony took place at the Resurrección del Señor Church located in El Palotal, State of Táchira, Venezuela. The church is pastorally administered by the friars of the Custody.
Bishop RIVAS DURÁN exhorted the newly ordained to be an image of the merciful and consoling Christ and, above all, to seriously heed the message of St. Francis of Assisi to be an instrument of peace. At the same time, he addressed the Provincial Custos, Friar Franklin DURÁN ZAMBRANO, and the rest of the friars, exhorting them to continue sowing peace and good in the Church of Venezuela, which is undergoing social crisis. He also addressed the parishioners, urging them to be guided by the friars, so that they, too, may become instruments of peace for the people of El Palotal. Finally, he made a profound and serious appeal to everyone present to be the faithful children of a forgiving Church, a Church which transmits peace, following the example and faithfulness of St. Francis of Assisi.
The event was a time of joy and fraternal fellowship for all those present, which included friars, men in formation, priests, diocesan deacons and people from all over Venezuela. The laity who share their faith journey with the friars at the Resurrección del Señor Church, took care of all the details of the liturgical celebration, which was a peaceful rite, rich in symbolism. Afterwards, a delicious fraternal agape meal was served, accompanied by beautiful background music. Everyone thanked God for bestowing the gift of the diaconal ministry upon Friar Gabriel.
Let all be done for the glory of God and the good of His Church.
Friar Carlos ORTÍZ ROJAS, Custodial Secretary
