Fr. John consecrates the Eucharist during his first Mass on Sunday.
Fr. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV, was ordained a priest by Bishop Carlos Alberto Correa Martínez, Bishop of Apartadó, at Parroquia San Viator in Bogotá, Colombia, on Saturday.
Many Viatorians gathered for the ordination Mass – and Fr. John’s first Mass the next morning – and Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial, concelebrated Mass with Provincial Councilors Fr. Edgar Suárez, CSV, and Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV, and several other Viatorian priests.
“John exhibited both humility and gratitude as his family, friends, and brothers in community celebrated the generosity of his answer to Christ’s call to be a disciple and to serve the people of God,” Fr. Mark said. “Our lives and the ministry of the Church are both wonderfully enriched by his yes.”
During the ordination Mass, Viatorian priests imposed their hands on John in blessing and offered fraternal embraces following his ordination. Clockwise from top left: Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Fr. Juan Carlos Ubaque, CSV, Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV, and Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV.
Fr. John professed first vows in 2019. In his first seven years of religious life, he has ministered in Viatorian schools and undertaken theological studies and priestly formation. Fr. John completed his theological studies in the US at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and while in the US, he also studied English and practiced English-language ministry.
He was ordained a deacon by Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Bourbonnais, IL, where he served his diaconate year. MBVM Pastor Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, and MBVM Parochial Vicar Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, traveled to Colombia to join in for the weekend after mentoring and living with Fr. John during his diaconate. Fr. Moses, a native of Belize who is multilingual, relished working with him. “Br. John has said, ‘Brother, I will need your help.’ And I said, ‘That’s what we’re here for! We’re your mentors, your teachers, your brothers,’” Fr. Moses said during Fr. John’s diaconate. “He wants me to help him with pronunciation and preaching – he really wants to learn.”
During his time in the US, Fr. John endeared himself to his American brothers and communities where we minister, particularly because of his gentle spirit and great sense of humor. “John Alexander has a fearless capacity to take up challenges that would give other people pause. His willingness to come to the United States, learn English, study at CTU, and do his diaconate at Maternity BVM shows his great confidence in himself and trust in how the Spirit is leading him in life,” Fr. Mark said. “Some wags in the province would also point out that his ability to give as good as he gets from Br. Michael Gosch shows exemplary good humor.”
The Viatorian turnout was amazing! Back row: Fr. Frank Enciso, CSV; Provincial Councilor Fr. Edgar Suárez, CSV; Provincial Superior Fr. Mark Francis, CSV; Bishop Carlos Alberto Correa Martínez; Fr. John Alexander Avellaneda, CSV; Provincial Councilor Fr. Tom von Behren, CSV; Fr. Alain Ambeault, CSV; — ; Fr. Juan Carlos Ubaque, CSV; Br. Carlos Suárez, CSV; middle row: Fr. Fredy Contreras, CSV; Fr. Gustavo López, CSV; Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV; — ; Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV; Br. Juan David Ramirez, CSV; Fr. Pedro Herrera, CSV; Fr. Edwin Ruiz, CSV; Fr. Dan Lydon, CSV; Fr. Carlos Claro, CSV; Pre-Novice Ángel Felipe Vásquez; front row: Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV; Br. P. Enrique Medina, CSV; — ; Fr. Alejandro Adame, CSV; Fr. Felipe Montes, CSV; parish master of ceremonies Jorge Rincón.