In early June, the universal Church rejoiced as the number of labourers in the vineyard of the Lord increased.
The Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan, however, rejoiced in a special way since ordinations are not a common occurrence in the Diocese and especially in the middle of a global pandemic.
Seminarian Marcos Pacifico Rodriguez was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate in the Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan, June 13 by Bishop Lawrence Nicasio at Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral, Belmopan.
Priests from the various parishes were present to concelebrate including Deacon Marcos’ brother, Fr Julio Rodriguez FMM who vested the newly ordained deacon.
Seminarian Emmanuel Medina told The Christian Herald that with limited numbers of attendees due to the pandemic, the celebration was witnessed by hundreds via a livestream on Guadalupe Media, various social media platforms and local television networks.
Rev Rodriguez was born and raised in the small village of Valley of Peace on the outskirts of Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral. He grew up in a large family, being the tenth child of eight boys and four girls.
He attended the Msgr Oscar Romero RC School where he initially received his first teachings on the faith. After high school he enrolled at the University of Belize and began pursuing a degree in pharmacy.
It was during college where he felt the call to the priesthood and the desire to enter the seminary. Initially, he joined the Fraternidad Misionera de Maria (The Missionary Fraternity of Mary or FMM), a Society of Apostolic Life in Guatemala. However, with much prayer and discernment Rev Rodriguez felt called to the diocesan life and thus entered St Benedict Diocesan Seminary in Santa Elena, Cayo in 2013.
He completed his Liberal Arts degree at Sacred Heart Junior College. In 2015 he left for the major seminary at Kenrick Glennon, St Louis, Missouri, USA. In the fall of 2020, Rev Rodriguez will be entering in his final year of formation at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in preparation for his priestly ordination.
Rev Rodriguez now begins his new ministry as a deacon at Holy Redeemer Cathedral during the summer.