PUERTO RICO, José Ramón Ortiz. Monday, January 18th, marked an important date in the Schoenstatt Movement when more than one hundred Puerto Rican clergy, thirty seminarians, and four out of the six bishops met at the National Shrine. Cardinal Luis Aponte Martinez also came to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his priesthood and 40th anniversary as a bishop. Those attending were: Cardinal Luis Aponte Martinez, the president of the Puerto Rican Episcopal Conference, Monsignor Rubén González Medina, CMF, Bishop of Caguas, Monsignor Ulises Casiano Vargas, Bishop of Mayagüez, Monsignor Iñaki Mallota Txertudí, CP, Bishop of Arecibo, and Monsignor Eusebio Ramos Morales, Bishop of Fajardo-Humacao.
Providentially, this conference coincided with the visit of the Father Symbol to Puerto Rico during this the Year for Priests. This is the first conference of the bishops, their priests, and seminarians since their last meeting twenty-five years ago. It is also the first conference for them during this the Year for Priests.
Undoubtedly, the visit of the Father Symbol came to unite the hearts of Puerto Rico’s priestly people at a time of great social, moral, economic, and religious crisis that the country is experiencing. Providential, yes, coincidence no, Father was present at this great conference.
It fills us with hope to see young and old priests sharing around the Table of the Lord
An atmosphere of solidarity and joy was experienced from the moment of the first moments with each other. After an excellent welcome that opened the way for these priests to reconnect again and to extend the bonds of priestly brotherhood, an atmosphere of respect, of joy and confraternity could be felt. The bishops were welcomed with a great deal of reverence and enormous joy. The cardinal’s presence captivated everyone present during the entire activity.
The comments about the conference were very positive. The Eucharistic celebration was a great feast, filled with joy and profound spirituality. Many were filled with hope to see young and old priest sharing around the Table of the Lord.
After the Eucharistic celebration, they went to the banquet table, where they were served a scrumptious lunch. Cardinal Aponte Martinez was recognized for his sixty long years of priestly, episcopal life and for his time as a cardinal. He addressed those who attended with much joy expressing his gratitude for the affection he received, and he blessed the meal.
The bishop of the new Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao, Monsignor Eusebio Ramos, asked the priests to reserve the date of October 4th-8th for a retreat of the his diocese’s clergy at the Solidarity Shrine.
Translation: Celina Garza, San Antonio, USA /Melissa Janknegt, Elgin, USA
