In an event that marks a milestone in the recent history of the Augustinian Recollect family, Fr. Victor Emiliano Villegas Suclupe, Fr., Bishop of Chota (Peru)has become the first Augustinian Recollect first Augustinian Recollect to have a private audience with the Pope.. The meeting, lived in an atmosphere of closeness and simplicity, is a source of deep joy and gratitude. profound joy and gratitude for the whole Order.
Vatican City : Friday, June 5, 2023 : Editorial Office of the Communications Office.
A story of gratitude and providence
The hearing was not planned in advance. Bishop Villegas traveled to Europe with the desire to thank to thank the institutions that support the mission in Chota, without imagining that he would end up living one of the most significant moments of his episcopal life.without imagining that he would end up living one of the most significant moments of his episcopal life.
“It wasn’t something I was looking for. It was all providential. The doors opened and suddenly, there I was: in front of the Holy Father”, said Bishop Villegas.said Bishop Villegas.
The possibility arose after informal contact with acquaintances close to the Vatican environment and, as in so many stories of faith, it was Providence that wove the threads of Providence together, it was Providence that wove the threads for the meeting to happen. for the meeting to happen.
A simple and fraternal meeting
The moment was brief, but full of meaning. Bishop Villegas recalls with special emotion the simple gesture of kissing the Fisherman’s Ring y the close smile of Pope Leo XIV..
“I reminded him that he was at my episcopal ordination, and I quoted to him the words he said to me then: ‘Enjoy this moment, because others will come that will not be so easy.’ And the Pope laughed with that joviality that characterizes him,” he says with emotion.
The conversation flowed naturally, addressing topics of the mission, pastoral life, bishops and religious in Peru and the situation of the diocese of Chota, in an atmosphere of trust, cordiality and closeness. of trust, cordiality and closeness..
A reason for joy for the entire Recollect family
The audience was received with great enthusiasm throughout the Augustinian Recollect family. Not only because of the historical significance of being the first Recollect to be received in a private audienceaudience, but also because it represents the living communion of the Order with the universal Church..
“It is an honor, but above all a joy for all of us. We feel deeply united to the Pope and to his mission of guiding the Church with humility and closeness”, says the Prelate of Chota.expressed the Prelate of Chota.
A moment to give thanks
In simple words, Bishop Villegas sums up the experience as a gift from God. A moment of grace that not only bears his name, but also belongs to the whole Augustinian Recollect family. belongs to the whole Augustinian Recollect family that prays, works and walks in communion with the Church. that prays, works and walks in communion with the Church.
From the entire Order, we unite in thanksgiving for this meeting which is, in itself, a testimony of fidelity, communion and hope.
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