On September 21, Mons. Alfonso Cortés Contreras, Archbishop of León, Guanajuato, ordained five Legionaries of Christ as deacons in the Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in that city.
The new deacons are Frs. Juan Pablo González Sánchez, Luis Felipe Guzmán, Agustín Gómez, Emmanuel Salgado, and César Velázquez, LLCC. All of them are from the Bajío region.
At the beginning of the ceremony, Fr. Paul Lara, LC, territorial director of the Legionaries of Christ in Monterrey, thanked Mons. Cortés for his presence, as it was such a meaningful ordination in the lives of young people and of the Church.
Family members, consecrated laity, consecrated women, Legionaries, and friends of Regnum Christi who have accompanied them in their vocational journey were present.
Students from the Vocational Centers of León and Guadalajara also attended, singing the hymns that accompanied the various moments of the celebration.
In his homily, Mons. Cortés emphasized that this event was very significant, as it was a miracle of the Trinity, since some brothers who have been baptized and confirmed are now called and chosen to represent Christ and contribute to the salvation of others.
He told them that today, Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit and the laying on of hands by the bishop, will make them new creatures with a new heart: «They will be servants of the Word, servants of the Gospel who will give God to others and administer the sacraments of Christ.»
He asked them to love the liturgy, not to be professionals of religion, but true servants of Christ’s love, especially to those discarded by society, because with that «they will heal their wounds and rebuild their lives as comforters of the people of God.»
«We are called to reach many people to bring God’s hope through our apostolate, but above all through our life testimony,» said the new deacon César Velázquez.
At the end of the religious ceremony, the new deacons celebrated with their families and friends.
Brief Profile of the Deacons
Juan Pablo González Sánchez, LC
Born in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico, in December 1988. Entered the Novitiate of Monterrey, Mexico, on September 15, 2007. Studied classical humanities at CNH Cheshire, USA. Completed his bachelor’s in philosophy and theology at Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum. Made his perpetual profession in August 2018. Worked as an assistant for the vocations tour for minors in Michoacán, Toluca, and Quintana Roo, and as a trainer at the vocational center in Ajusco.
Luis Felipe Guzmán, LC
Born in June 1990 in Zacapu, Michoacán, Mexico. Joined the Ajusco Vocational Center in 2002. Entered the novitiate of Gozzano, Italy, on September 15, 2007. Studied classical humanities at CNH Salamanca, Spain. Completed his bachelor’s in philosophy and theology at the Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum. Made his perpetual profession in August 2018. Worked as a teacher at the Cheshire training center, USA.
Agustín Gómez García, LC
Born in July 1989 in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. Joined the León Vocational Center in 2001. Entered the novitiate of Gozzano, Italy, on September 15, 2005. Studied classical humanities at CNH Salamanca, Spain. Earned his bachelor’s in philosophy and theology at the Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum. Made his perpetual profession in September 2013. Worked as a trainer at the Ajusco vocational center.
Emmanuel Salgado, LC
Born in August 1986 in León, Guanajuato, Mexico. Joined the León Vocational Center in 1998. Entered the Novitiate of Monterrey, Mexico, on September 15, 2002. Studied classical humanities at CNH Salamanca, Spain. Completed his bachelor’s in philosophy and theology at the Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum. Made his perpetual profession in October 2010. Worked as a formation instructor at the Instituto Cumbres Caracas and in youth ministry. Currently, he is a formation instructor at Cumbres International School Guadalajara and director of the male ECYD in Guadalajara Sur.
César Velázquez Núñez, LC
Born in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, in December 1987. Joined the León Vocational Center in 1998. Entered the Novitiate of Monterrey, Mexico, on September 16, 2003. Studied classical humanities at CNH Salamanca, Spain. Earned his bachelor’s in philosophy and theology at the Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum. Made his perpetual profession in February 2012. Worked as a trainer at the vocational centers of Guadalajara and Monterrey.
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