His Excellency Aldo Cavalli, the nuncio in Columbia, traveled with his secretary all the way from Bogota just to be with twenty other bishops and archbishops to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on the occasion of the taking of position of Monsignor Alejandro. There were 150 priests from different dioceses although the majority came form Cali and Cartago. There were various religious communities, with the biggest number of participants from the Order of Augustinian Recollects.
Also present were seminarians, men and women religious from different communities, and a huge number of faithful mostly from the parishes that the bishop formerly served. Of course, friends and relatives of the Monsignor were present.
Prayer and the memory of Monsignor Jose Calderon
Monsignor Alejandro prayed before the tomb of his predecessor and the first bishop of the diocese, Bishop Jose Calderon. This was followed by a procession to the altar for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
And just after the initial rites and after His Excellency Aldo Cavalli, the papal nuncio, read and explained the Appointment, Bishop Castaño took over the presidency and continued the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
It was an experience of ecclesial communion and a witnessing to obedience! This seemed to be the sentiment of all those present as their representatives greeted and welcomed to their bishop.
In his homily Monsignor Alejandro shared his experiences as religious, priest and bishop, and citing St. Augustine, he reminded the faithful that for their sake he is a bishop and that with them he is a fellow Christian. He is placed in front of the diocese to serve. And with this he invited every one to pray and to cooperate in order that the Kingdom of God will continually be build in Cartago.