Bede SUJAHARAN, OMI

On April 19th, Editson García VÁZQUEZ and Juan Carlos Aguilar FUENTES were ordained priests, and Luis Enrique RODRÍGUEZ was ordained a transitional deacon at the Oblate parish of San Pedro Huamelula by Monsignor Crispín OJEDA, the Bishop of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca.

Since 1960, Huamelula has been a hub for Oblate missions. In keeping with Oaxacan tradition, the celebrations began with musical bands, which accompanied the ordinandi, their families, friends, and devotees from various regions of Mexico in a joyful procession through the streets of Huamelula. Father Juan Carlos in Salina Cruz and Father Editson in San Pedro Huamelula held their first Eucharists on April 20th and 21st, respectively. Both Editson and Juan Carlos have deep roots with the Oblates.

Editson García VÁZQUEZ and Juan Carlos Aguilar FUENTES were ordained priests, and Luis Enrique RODRÍGUEZ was ordained a transitional deacon at the Oblate parish of San Pedro Huamelula

These festivities also marked a significant milestone in the history of the Oblates in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, as the Oblates will soon be celebrating 75 years of relentless service in the Diocese of Tehuantepec, a region deeply linked to the history of the Oblates in Mexico.

By special request of Pope Pius XII, three Oblate missionaries arrived in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region in 1950. The arrival of the Oblates was primarily driven by the restoration of the Cathedral of Tehuantepec and their ministry in the port city of Salina Cruz, which at the time was one of the main ports on the Pacific. Gradually, the Oblates expanded their presence throughout the Diocese of Tehuantepec, focusing on vast and remote areas with special attention to education, health, infrastructure, and social welfare.

Oblate parish of San Pedro Huamelula

The region is home to several indigenous communities. Currently, there are 700,000 baptized Catholics in 37 parishes. Nine Oblates minister in three parishes while helping the Bishop with other diocesan responsibilities. True to the Oblate tradition, these celebrations were infused with the Oblate spirit as we joined the people of God in heartfelt gratitude and joyful sharing.

We consider the ordinations of these two sons of Tehuantepec as gifts from God to the congregation and church. This celebration is especially important as we look forward to celebrating 75 years of service in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

Father Juan Carlos received his First Obedience from the General Superior for the Thailand-Laos Delegation of the Philippines Province. This will make him the first Mexican Oblate to minister in the Asia-Oceania region.