Ordination Edinson

Priesthood Ordination

On Sat. July 26^th, in the parish church of Morropon, in the dioceses of Chulucanas, our brother Edinson Farfan was ordained to the priesthood by the imposition of hands of the bishop of Chulucanas, Daniel Turley, OSA.

Edinson was born and raised in a devote family in the town of Tambogrande about an hour outside of the dioceses. Tambogrande is part of an important agricultural section of northern Peru, so his family works on their small farm where Edinson learned many of his values. He participated actively in his local parish and upon finishing high school entered medical school in neighboring Ecuador. Border disputes over a decade ago between Ecuador and Peru forced Peruvian students in Ecuador to abandon the country and return to Peru. Edinson then continued his studies in the university in northern Peru, near the city of Tumbes. It was here that he had contact with another student who talked to him about the Augustinians in the dioceses of Chulucanas. Long harboring in his heart an restlessness to consider priesthood or religious life, Edinson decided to take the step and contacted the Augustinians then working in San Jose Obrero parish in Chulucanas. Fr. Gioberty Calle became his contact and followed him for the next year to gage his interest and upon finishing that time of accompaniment, Edinson was admitted to the formation program in 1998 going to the city of Iquitos for his first year in the pre-seminary program. The following year he began his studies in Trujillo for three years of philosophy and then went to Lima for his novitiate year, making his first profession of vows in the Order in Jan. 2003.

Following his profession of vows, Edinson was sent to Bolivia to the international house of studies of the Order in Cochabamba. There students from Bolivia, Brasil, Ecuador and Peru join together for their theological studies. After two years of studies he returned to Peru for his pastoral year as the formation program of the Vicariate requires. From this time the town of Morropon has occupied a special place in the heart of Edinson. Thus he chose Morropon to make his solemn profession of vows inn December of 2006. He was ordained to the diaconate last year in Cochabamba, Bolivia along with other classmates and is presently in his last year of studies to receive a licentiate in spiritual theology.

In the ordination mass a large group of family and friends from Tambogrande were present along with his many friends made during his pastoral year in Morropon. Also present were the many Augustinians friars of the Vicariate and those still in studies in the seminary as well as the pastor of Edinson’s parish and Fr. Tarciso Pusma representing the diocesean clergy of the diocese.

After the proclamation of the Gospel by Fr. Gioberty Calle, OSA, the Augustinian Superior, Fr. John Lydon, OSA, presented to the bishop Edinson for ordination. The bishop asked Fr. Lydon if Edinson was considered worthy, and the reply being positive, all present gave a sign of support for the decision with a long applause. During the homily Bishop Dan talked especially about the one priesthood of Christ and how Edinson was now participating in that priesthood in a special and deep way. However, this was not only a blessing but a challenge to Edinson to keep ever close to Christ, to be the friend and messenger of Christ.

Following the homily Bishop Dan asked Edinson a series of questions to ascertain that he understood what sacrament he was requesting and that he was doing so freely, conscious of its obligations and gift. Then the whole congregation invoked the presence and help of all the saints with the singing of the Litany of Saints. During that time Edinson remained prostrated as a sign of humility and union with the crucified Lord. Following the Litany, the bishop then lay his hands upon Edinson to convey the gift of the Holy Spirit.

This was then followed by all the other priests present laying their hands on the newly ordained, a ancient symbol of the unity of the priesthood with the bishop. Then, according to Peruvian custom where there are “padrinos” (godfathers) not only for baptism, but also for every important sacramental moment, his padrinos of ordination vested him with the chasuble and stole, symbols of his priesthood. Finally the bishop anointed his hands with the Holy Chrism and gave to Edinson the chalice and host which will be at the heart of his presiding the Eucharist for the faithful.

Following the ordination mass, and the blessings that Edinson offered to all the people that came up to see him, there was a lunch for all the invited guests at the parish school. There local folk dances and songs were provided by the youth of the Morropon parish to the joy of all those present.

On the following day, Sunday the 27^th, Edinson presided at his first Eucharistic celebration (Mass of Thanksgiving) in his hometown of Tambogrande located about 1 ½ hours from Chulucanas. Because of the heavier than usual rains of Feb through April, the church in the main square has been closed because damaged was caused to its adobe (mud-brick) base. Thus the first mass had to be held in the town auditorium across the street which was decorated with the statutes of the church to give it a more prayerful atmosphere. The mass was filled with family and school friends of Edinson, most of whom could not be at the ordination because of the distance and cost of traveling. The singing was provided by the same group that sang at the ordination and in his homily Edinson underscored the grace of this moment and the challege of all to follow the way of Christ.

After the mass all were invited to the local school where the “fiesta” continued with a meal, some folk dances, and then a general dance as is the Peruvian custom for celebrating important events.