A New Pastoral Chapter in Pasto: Saint Ezekiel Moreno Parish Begins a New Phase Under the Saint Ezekiel Moreno Province of the Philippines
The Church in the city of Pasto (Nariño) is witnessing a moment of profound renewal, continuity, and fraternity. The beloved community of Saint Ezekiel Moreno Parish, which for 26 years of fruitful history was diligently accompanied and administered by the jurisdiction of the Province of La Candelaria, concludes this period to be officially handed over to the Saint Ezekiel Moreno Province of the Philippines. From now on, Augustinian Recollect religious sent directly from their province in the Philippines will remain in this place to assume the pastoral care and administration of the parish.
This historic event holds fundamental significance in three dimensions: for the Province of La Candelaria, it represents the gratifying culmination of 26 years of mission carried out with love, tireless work, and dedication by its religious. For more than two and a half decades, these brothers forged an invaluable legacy, sowing and strengthening the faith of the faithful of Pasto. For the Saint Ezekiel Moreno Province, characterized as a resilient and missionary province, it means welcoming a new pastoral challenge in Colombian lands, expanding its service and sharing the universality of the charism. Finally, for the particular Church of the Diocese of Pasto, this transition guarantees the continuity and enrichment of the evangelizing work, ensuring that the flock continues to be guided with apostolic zeal.
The transition of this mission was formalized in two deeply significant moments. The first took place on Friday, May 29, at the facilities of the Episcopal Curia of the Diocese of Pasto. There, the Canonical Possession and profession of faith occurred, the legal and ecclesial act by which Friar Joel G. Villaruel and Friar Vicent Sajulga officially assumed their appointments before the diocesan Church.
Subsequently, the joy moved to the community itself. On Saturday, May 30, at 6:30 p.m., the solemn Liturgical Possession was celebrated at Saint Ezekiel Moreno Parish, within the framework of a Holy Eucharist. During this celebration, presided over by the diocesan bishop Monsignor Juan Carlos Cárdenas Toro, the new religious took possession of their roles as Parish Priest and Vicar, respectively, before the assembly of the faithful.
In this emotional act, surrounded by priests from both the Province of La Candelaria and the Saint Ezekiel Moreno Province, they were officially handed the keys, the liturgical places, the administration of the parish, and the rectory. But above all, they were entrusted with the greatest treasure safeguarded during these 26 years: the living and believing community that journeys in this sector of Pasto.
With immense gratitude for the history built and profound hope for the future, we extend a warm welcome to Friar Joel and Friar Vicent. We pray that the Lord will abundantly bless this new phase and make their pastoral work fruitful among us.
