Manizales, Caldas, Colombia (November 9). In an emotional ceremony held in the parish of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, coinciding with the celebration of the founding of the congregation, Deacon Jovani Cuéllar Peña was ordained a priest, thus becoming the first priest of the new Andean-Caribbean Province.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Mons. Álvaro Mon Pérez, C.Ss.R., Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Carreño, Vichada, who laid his hands on Jovani Cuéllar, thus conferring the sacrament of orders.
Father Mauricio Monroy Cáceres, Provincial Superior, along with a large group of priests and religious, accompanied Jovani in this spiritual milestone. The celebration was also joined by the family and friends of the new priest, who expressed their pride and joy for this important event.
The next day, Jovani presided over his first Mass in the same parish, expressing his deep gratitude to God, his family and the entire community that supported him on his vocational journey.
Subsequently, on November 16 and 17, the new priest celebrated his first masses in his hometown, Oporapa (Huila), sharing this special moment with his relatives and friends.
With the ordination of Jovani Cuéllar, the Andean-Caribbean Province consolidates its growth and renews its commitment to the evangelizing mission of the Church. This event represents a source of hope for the entire congregation and for the communities that the new priest will serve.
Junior Jesus Emel Cristancho Garcia, C.Ss.R.
