In an atmosphere of profound gratitude and fraternal communion, last November 22, the Immaculate Conception Parish of Suba dressed up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of priestly ordination of our brothers: Fray Juan de Dios Tibocha and Fray José Concepción Beltrán.
The solemn Eucharist was presided over by Mons. José Alejandro Castaño , OAR, bishop emeritus of Cartago, and concelebrated by the Prior Provincial, Fray José David Niño, together with the honored religious and a large presence of friars from the communities of Bogotá and various cities in Colombia. The celebration transcended the walls of the temple, uniting numerous faithful and friends who participated in this Thanksgiving through the digital media and social networks of the Province and the parish.
«Destined for something much greater»
During the homily, the Provincial Father, Fray José David Niño, offered a moving reflection on the vocation and the mystery of divine election. Remembering the origins of those honored, he evoked how, as in the birth of the Baptist, their families wondered what would become of those children:
«President, minister, aviator, doctor, businessman…? No. None of that. Those children were destined from their mothers’ wombs for something much greater and more excellent. God, who knew them from their formation, wanted them consecrated to Him; priests to rule, guide and shepherd His people», said the Provincial.
Making grateful memory, it was recalled that four decades ago, in that same temple and at three in the afternoon, Monsignor Arturo Salazar Mejía, OAR imposed his hands on them, sealing an Eternal Alliance. Since then, Fray Juan de Dios Tibocha and Fray José Concepción Beltrán have traveled a path of unconditional service: from the missions in Casanare and the educational work in the Colegio San Nicolás, to the leadership as priors and pastors in communities such as El Desierto de la Candelaria, Santa Cruz de la Popa, La Consolación and San Joaquín, among many others.
Priests: Friends of Jesus and consecrated hands
The central message of the preaching highlighted the identity of the Augustinian Recollect priest not as an official, but as an alter Christus. «It is not he, but it is Christ who acts in him», said Fray José David, noting that, during these 40 years, their lives have been a transparency of Jesus in the celebration of the sacraments, in the comfort to the sick and in loving correction.
The Prior Provincial stressed the humanity and dedication of the religious with close words:
«You are consecrated hands to bless… You are not servants, you are friends to whom the Father has been revealed»
Likewise, he recognized that, although the road entails moments of loneliness and fatigue, it is there where the priest experiences «the sweet embrace of the Virgin Mary, the beautiful shepherdess», who has sustained his ministry with maternal tenderness.
Renewal of Promises
The ceremony culminated with an emotional moment in which Fray Juan de Dios and Fray José Concepción renewed their priestly promises, reaffirming their «yes» to the Lord with the same disposition as 40 years ago.
The Province of Our Lady of Candelaria and the entire Order in general joins in prayer for the life and ministry of these two brothers, asking that, as the Provincial Father concluded quoting our father Saint Augustine, their hearts remain restless until they rest fully in God, and that they continue to be «essential instruments of God for the salvation of souls».
Congratulations to our brothers for these four decades of loving dedication to the Church and the Order!
