On Saturday, August 27th, at the Basilica of Guadalupe, Mons. Víctor Sánchez Espinoza, Archbishop of Puebla, ordained Rafael Torres Mena LC, originally from Guanajuato, as a priest, and also ordained two deacons, Carlos Valenzuela, LC, from Veracruz, and Miguel Agustín Esponda, LC, from Mexico City.
More than 50 Legionary priests concelebrated at the ceremony in front of friends and family who were able to return to the Basilica after pandemic restrictions. Present were Fr. Alberto Simán, LC, Territorial Director of Mexico and Central America, and Fr. Carlos Gutiérrez, LC, Territorial Director of Northern Mexico, as well as students from vocational centers, Consagradas del Regnum Christi, Laicos Consagrados del Regnum Christi, laicos del Regnum Christi, family members, and friends of those ordained.
Mons. Víctor Sánchez urged them to faithfully follow their calling: “Priesthood and diaconate are a gift from God because He calls those He chooses, prepares them, and sends them as apostles. Christ called them so that with eternal joy, they may transmit the Gospel and serve all people with humility, thus being recognized. Live your celibacy faithfully, do not divide your heart so that it is only filled with God. Remain united to your bishop, supporting him in whatever is needed, and follow the example of the Good Shepherd who comes to serve all people.”
At the end of the celebration, Fr. Alberto Simán, LC, expressed gratitude for the support of the families of those ordained, their formators, and companions. He thanked Mons. Víctor for presiding over the ordinations and for his pastoral closeness. Likewise, Fr. Alberto asked everyone present to pray for the young men and for all vocations: “Saying yes to God is a gift and a grace. He continues to call many young people. Let us ask God for the grace that they may be generous and able to say with courage, ‘Yes Lord, here I am,’” he concluded.
“The only thing I asked of God, our Lord, when I was prostrate, was that He always make me an instrument of His mercy.” Fr. Rafael Torres, LC
