Carlos Ángel Martínez joined the Legion of Christ in November 2004 in his native Colombia. During his formation period in Rome, he underwent surgery and, due to a medical error, contracted an infection in his spine that almost left him immobile.
On May 29, he reached his diaconal ordination, offering before the altar all the suffering caused by this problem, wrapped in love for Christ and his vocation, but above all with trust in Divine Providence that has accompanied him throughout his pilgrimage.
The Eucharistic Hour: the beginning of his calling
At age 14, a Legionary invited him to be part of the Regnum Christi while visiting Father Carlos’s school. At that time, the ECYD did not yet exist, and their activities focused on the Eucharistic Hour, where many young people gathered to adore the Lord and meditate on His Word.
Father Carlos, along with his brothers, frequently attended the adoration, which began to awaken in him the disposition for the calling that our Lord was about to make.
He entered the Vocational Center in Medellín, where he underwent his discernment process. A three-year period that helped him make good friendships and live in an environment of fraternity.
After completing his time at the Vocational Center, he entered the Novitiate in the same city, later worked in northern Italy promoting vocations, and studied in Spain and the United States.
He arrived in Monterrey to carry out his apostolic practices for four years and then returned to Italy to continue studying and collaborate at the General Directorate of the Legion of Christ in Rome.
A Bad Procedure and a Change of Plans
During his last stay in Rome, Father Carlos underwent a surgical procedure in which he contracted an infection in one of his lumbar discs. The doctors were unable to treat it properly, and after several problems caused by the infection, four surgeries, and developing limitations in his mobility, he reached the brink of paralysis.
He decided to return to Monterrey to be treated by a doctor who offered his services and the possibility of improving his health. After several studies, they were able to diagnose the problem and begin treatment to eliminate the bacteria.
Father Carlos is now better and has emerged from the critical stage he was in. However, the damage caused by the infection has left sequelae, so he will have to wait to take the next steps toward his recovery. This process requires four to five years of treatments and special care that continue to limit him. He is now fully dedicated to his studies.
As time passed and with the joy of receiving the diaconate, Father Carlos describes his entire situation as a grace that God has given him. He has realized that suffering is an enriching life experience because it gave him the opportunity to experience God’s comfort and the love of many people who have been around him to support and accompany him.
Advice for People Who Suffer
For the newly ordained deacon, it is very important to learn how to face challenges and overcome difficulties that life always presents. Accept them with love and move forward with a spirit of trust in God, seeking motivations that can sustain us.
In his journey in religious life, Father Carlos has always had a main motivation: to follow Christ. That is what has always driven him.
“One seeks to improve not only to be well, but to be available to serve people.”
Secondly, he considers service to the people God has placed in his path as part of his motivations. Continuing to form himself to serve in the best way and fulfill the entrusted mission.
“Like Christ, being a good Samaritan, he approaches every man who suffers in his body and soul; he anoints him with the oil of comfort and the wine of hope.”
He always reminds himself that when Christ sees us weak and sick, He always comes to meet us to console us, and in many cases, those consolations come through the means that allow us to overcome difficulties.
He encourages everyone going through a difficult situation to never stop fighting. He understands that illness can “knock us down,” but at the same time, it is an opportunity to draw strength from within that we were unaware we had. Moreover, he invites us to live each moment with joy, not to let illness and suffering “crush us,” and to share that joy with others.
Follower of Christ, with or without limitations, forever
The moment of the diaconal ordination arrived, performed by Mons. Rogelio Cabrera, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Monterrey. In a simple ceremony at the CECVAC International School and adapting the rite due to Father Carlos’s physical limitations.
In the homily, Mons. Rogelio reminded everyone that being ordained deacon is for life, just like bishops and priests, who remain deacons and, in the image of Jesus Christ, must serve the poorest, the sick, the isolated, and the most in need.
“God has tested you through your illness, but you yourself know that in Jesus you find light and hope, knowing that with or without limitations, you are a follower of Christ. There are great men in the church who, beyond health limits, have reached holiness.”
Mons. Cabrera encouraged Father Carlos not to diminish his spirits, to keep fighting, and to be a testimony to all whom the Lord places in his path.
Although during the ordination rite he could not prostrate himself before the altar, the new deacon showed a disposition of total surrender, offering to Christ everything that had happened in his life, as an offering full of joy and moments of suffering because of his illness.
Father Carlos’s family could not be physically present, but they followed the ceremony through social media.
One of the most emotional moments was when Father Carlos’s brother, also a Legionary priest, vested him with the chasuble. At that moment, the embrace of brotherhood and vocation was a moment of spiritual joy for all attendees and viewers of the broadcast.
Father Carlos Ángel will continue his recovery process and maintains hope that God will continue to sustain him and show him the way forward.
With joy, but above all with passionate love for Jesus Christ, he embraces his cross; now with a ministry of service to souls.
