Monsignor Demetrio Fernández, Bishop of Córdoba, to the new deacon Julio Muñoz, L.C.
Source: Lo+RC
On Saturday, June 20th, Don Demetrio Fernández, Bishop of Córdoba, ordained Julio Muñoz, 31 years old, as a deacon. The ceremony took place at the Convent of the Discalced Carmelites of San Calixto, in the Sierra of Hornachuelos, to which his vocation and life are deeply connected. The new deacon was accompanied by his family, friends, Legionaries of Christ, consecrated persons, and members of Regnum Christi from Spain.
“God surrounds us. He wants to fill us with His gifts, especially you, H. Julio,” Don Demetrio told him during the homily. “It is the Holy Spirit who wants to configure you with Christ, with Christ the Servant, Servant of God and of all men,” he insisted. “Your life, moved by God’s grace, has been a life of generous giving. Today, it is the Holy Spirit who consecrates you. The action is God’s. The protagonist is God. It is God who takes your life and
transfigures it, making you similar to Christ,” he continued.
He also wanted Monsignor Fernandez to explain the differences between vows and the sacrament of Holy Orders. “With the vows, you dedicate your own life and heart,” he said. “Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, you become a continuation of Christ, a sign of Christ the Bridegroom,” he clarified. “Your heart belongs to God and is for God. You must love everyone, and for that universality, you have had to leave behind forming a family,” explained the bishop. “Having a mother is the most beautiful thing in the world, and today we entrust you to Mary. May she keep and accompany you.” Julio wanted it to be the first hug for his mother on a special day in many ways: “My father died just a year ago, on June 20th. They not only bring us into the world. Only God knows the love they have for us that leads them to suffer for us,” he acknowledged gratefully to his parents.
On December 12th, after 14 years of formation, he will receive the priestly ordination in Rome, along with 40 other classmates, including Bro. Alberto Puértolas, from Barcelona, who will receive his diaconal ordination in Chile on July 4th.
Bro. Julio Muñoz’s first pastoral mission will be in Monterey, Mexico, where he will serve as chaplain and youth ministry coordinator at a Regnum Christi school.
