Diaconate Ordination of Luis

Today is the day for the ordination to the diaconate of one of the members of the Vicariate of Panama.

Luis is 30 years of age. He is from Darién, which is the province of Panama that borders Colombia. Luis' area was always looked after by the Capuchins so, logically, he joined them when he wanted to pursue his vocation. He was sent to study in the seminary in which I am currently teaching. However, the man who had inspired this decision in him subsequently left the priesthood and Luis found that he wasn't receiving any encouragement from the other members of the Order. He left the Capuchins and gave up on the idea of religious life and priesthood.

For almost 4 years Luis worked as an air-conditioning technician - I think that means that he installed and maintained air conditioning machines. However, the idea of a vocation to the priesthood never entirely left him. He spoke to a number of people, including the rector of the seminary (not, I hasten to add, the current rector) but didn't really get anywhere. He eventually spoke to the bishop of Darién who advised him, since he hadn't felt encouraged by the welcome he got from the seminary (to which the bishop would be sending him), to consider the Augustinians. Luis had never come across the Augustinians as we don't have any presence in the province of Darién but, following the bishop's advice, he spoke to the then Vicar of the Augustinians in Panama (Fr. Salvador).

Salvador met with Luis and encouraged him, and after some time Luis decided he would try his vocation with the Augustinians. Today, as he is ordained a deacon (by Bishop Manual Ochogavía - an Augustinian himself), marks a significant milestone in a journey that began for him 12 or 13 years ago. His family have just arrived and there is great excitement. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be at the ordination as I will be representing the Augustinians at the celebrations for 800 years since the foundation of the Dominicans - we agreed that someone should attend this and that it would be better for the Panamanians to be present at the ordination. Anyway, I hope to make it back for lunch!!!

Last week there was a solemn profession in the Vicariate. In spring of next year there will be another one - this is a circumscription that is growing, and quickly!!! With an average of a little over 30 the future looks good for the Augustinians in Panama.