Fr. Gerardo Ernesto Pretel Ortiz, s.x.

First Xaverian Missionary from Colombia

Fr. Gerardo Ernesto Pretel Ortiz - from Misioneros Javerianos de Parma

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Fr. Gerardo Ernesto Pretel Ortiz, ready to depart from Colombia to Congo

In view of his ordination in Buenaventura, Valle, March 2, 2002, Gerardo Pretel, the first Xaverian Missionary from Colombia, shares his wishes and hopes in this article. He wrote from Mexico, where he completed his preparation and training in view of mission service. We pray that the Lord watch over him and shed his bountiful graces. Congratulations, Gerardo.

Greetings in the Lord, to all of you who know me personally or through this writing. To facilitate things, I’d like to share some brief moments of my life.

I’m from Buenaventura, and as a child I came to know the Xaverian Missionaries in my parish. Since then, I felt called to this vocation. This dream could come true only in 1995 when I started the formation process by entering the house of Cali, and I completed my studies in Bogota’. After having lived in these two communities, I was sent to Mexico for the period of pre-novitiate and novitiate. I remember well when I celebrated my commitment to the Xaverian family in 1998 through vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and mission. I continued to study in Mexico City for the Master of Theology with specialization in Scriptures.

I know that my missionary life will find fulfillment when I will be able to exercise my ministry as a priest with the people of the D. R. Congo, my future assignment. In this way, my dreams are only the ones to be able to share in all truth and beauty the Gospel message of Christ with the peoples. 

At this moment I feel very much loved by the Lord, for he guided me through these various steps of missionary and religious life. How can I not feel so much love for all this! In truth, I thank God for having called me to this life, especially as a priest and missionary to his church, at the service of his people.

I know that my missionary life will find fulfillment when I will be able to exercise my ministry as a priest with the people of the D. R. Congo, my future assignment. In this way, my dreams are only the ones to be able to share in all truth and beauty the Gospel message of Christ with the peoples. What drives me is the chance to share my faith and my life with them, in the name of Christ.

My heart says this… “it’s worthwhile to be a missionary, it’s good to risk your life at the service of the Gospel.” From this land of Mexico, blessed by the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I hope that you accompany me on my ordination day in the Cathedral of Buenaventura, on March 2, 2002, and beyond, the rest of my life.

I pray that the Lord shed his blessings on you all, and especially to the young people of Colombia, that they may answer a complete “yes” to the Lord, without fear. Blessings to all.

Fr. Gerardo Ernesto Pretel Ortiz (from Missioneros Javerianos de Parma) » More