Fr. Edwin Ruiz, left, was ordained with Fr. Gustavo Lopez in 2016 by Bishop Héctor Pizarro
From this childhood in Medellín, Colombia, Fr. Edwin Ruiz, CSV, has known he wanted to be a teacher and a priest, making him a perfect fit for the Viatorians.
He got his introduction to the Viatorians from Fr. Edgar Suarez, CSV in 2006. Fr. Ruiz entered the pre-novitiate one year later, and continued to novitiate in Santiago, Chile, with other novices from the Latin American and Caribbean Council, or CLAC.
Fr. Ruiz made his perpetual vows in 2012 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2016, in San Juan María Vianney Parish, where he had served as a catechist and pastoral coordinator.
Fr. Ruiz serves as chaplain to a pair of religious communities.
Fr. Ruiz earned his first degree in religious education at Bolivarian Pontifical University in Medellín, before earning certifications in psycho-spiritual accompaniment and community discernment.
He also earned a degree in canon marriage law from Pontificia Javeriana University and a master’s degree in pedagogy from Sabana University, in Chía, Colombia.
In religious life, he has taught religion at Colegio San Viator in Bogotá, served as chaplain to a pair of religious communities, and ministered at San Viator, San Juan María Vianney, and Santa Inés de Guaymaral Parishes.
Fr. Ruiz enjoys being part of the Viatorian Community, seen here with (L-R) Fr. Carlos Claro, Fr. Ruiz, Br. Jhobany Orduz and Fr. Felipe Montes.
“I thank God for allowing me to be part of the Viatorian Community,” Fr. Ruiz says. “I feel happy and fulfilled as a human being by living with my brothers and experiencing God’s love in service. God in his infinite goodness has called me to be part of his closest disciples.”
More on Fr. Edwin from Viatorians.com:
- A Special Querbes Day Celebration and Anniversary (2022): Fr. Edwin was chaplain during a special 60-year celebration at Colegio San Viator.
- Provincial Council Visits Viatorians in Colombia (2019): Fr. Edwin was part of meetings and celebrations during a Provincial Council visit to Colombia.
- Viatorians Inspired by Presence of Pope Francis in Colombia (2017): Pope Francis visited Colombia, and Fr. Edwin was among the concelebrants at the papal Mass.
- Viatorians Welcome Two More Priests (2016): Fr. Edwin and Fr. Gustavo Lopez, CSV were ordained in the same Mass in 2016.
- The Foundation of Colombia through the Eyes of a Novice (2015): Fr. Edwin, then a brother, assisted Br. Peter Lamick, CSV – then a novice – with evening prayers and spiritual life during his visit with novice master Fr. John Van Wiel, CSV.
- Viatorian Brothers Commit Themselves to the Viatorians for Life (2012): Viatorians who seek priestly formation and ordination must first be in perpetual vows, and Fr. Edwin professed perpetual vows in 2012.
Updated by Associate Dan Masterton on July 15, 2025.