A dream come true in Colombia

For many years, as part of the Cincinnati Province, the Colombian Mission was an “ad experimentum,” a wait-and-see sort of existence. This April 5, we celebrated our 21st anniversary. Over the years, we have had many ups and downs, much to do with the death of members serving here and the slow process of obtaining future members. To officially become a mission, losing the title previously mentioned, we needed to have five permanent members. That did not happen until we formed part of the new Latin American Province. We then became a district of the province; two Colombians were ordained priests, and one became an incorporated brother.  

Although we are few, there always have existed two dreams that have been at our attention, always present in our hearts and minds. One dream was to create a Center of Reconciliation in Bogotá and the other was to assume a new apostolate with new challenges outside of the capital. The Center of Reconciliation was established 10 years ago, and Brother Nairo Idrobo is its present director. In recent years, Brother Nairo has worked with the archdiocese to develop, promote, and accompany circles of reconciliation. Our other dream has just now become a reality. 

At our provincial assembly in February, it was unanimously decided that we would assume the administration of the parish San Carlos Borromeo in the archdiocese of Villavicencio. It is located in the municipality of San Carlos Guaroa, on the plains of Colombia and five hours from Bogotá. The weather is different from Bogotá; the temperature ranges between 80 and 100 degrees and has a prolonged rainy season.   

There is a saying in the congregation that part of our charism is to go where others are unwilling to go. This has now become true for us. No one in the archdiocese wanted to take on the administration of the parish and for good reason. The former pastor was involved in some scandals; before he left the parish, he tore down the parish house and sold the parish car that the people helped to acquire. Because of that, the people began to distance themselves from the parish and became indifferent.   

Fathers Oscar Quiroz and Joseph Deardorff formally took on the administration of the parish on March 22 with a ceremony that included the presence of the local bishop and our provincial as well as the other members of the district. Our presence has created renewed hope among the people, and for Holy Week, their participation was impressive. There was not enough space in the church to accommodate all of them, so for the Triduum, we celebrated outside in the plaza. There is much work to be done, but we have the joy of knowing that this is where the Lord wants us to be. Pray for us as we continue our journey forward.   

Rev. Joseph Deardorff, C.PP.S.