On Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the Parish of San Alfonso, Church of the Lord of the Miracles, in Bogotá, the diaconal ordination of three Redemptorist brothers was celebrated: Alexander Jesús Hernández Reyes CSsR, Carlos Daniel Franco Ramírez CSsR and Reilander Antonio Aldana Vargas CSsR , members of the Andean-Caribbean Province, by the laying on of hands of Monsignor Edwin Raúl Vanegas Cuervo, auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Bogotá (Colombia).
At the time of the ordination ceremony, Father Samuel Torres, rector of the seminary, calls them and Fr. Mauricio Monroy Cáceres CSsR, provincial superior, presents them to the church, certifying their suitability for the ministry they are about to receive: “Let those who are about to be ordained deacons come forward: Alexander Jesús Hernández Reyes, Carlos Daniel Franco Ramírez, and Reilander Antonio Aldana Vargas.”
Immediately afterward, the bishop expressed his gratitude to Fr. Rogério Gomes CSsR, Superior General of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, who was present at the ceremony, and to the families of the Venezuelan brothers who were following the ceremony online due to local difficulties. He then reminded the new deacons that Jesus had arranged everything so that his guests could experience not only a moment of material nourishment, but a time and experience of the presence of God who consoles, heals, reconciles, and launches the mission of building community.
Bishop Vanegas Cuervo states: “I would like to share a reflection that can inspire you in your ministry: first, the deacon is primarily called to be a Servant. Following the teachings of the Master, who, before serving at table and eating with them, manifested this sign that was imprinted on the hearts and minds of his disciples.”
“Wash the feet of the pilgrim Church, which needs to be refreshed with your enthusiasm and joy as young ministers. Wash the feet of the wayfarers of our society, who need guidance so as not to take wrong steps. Wash the tortured feet of so many brothers and sisters who are trampled upon by the injustice of this world’s structures and who need the deacon who cares for their needs and washes them with mercy.”
He then adds: “In your missionary activities, prepare the tables of dialogue and reconciliation, so that they may be an opportunity to listen to the cries of so many brothers and sisters who are being silenced. You, enriched by Jesus, the eternal word of the Father, be guides through your preaching and thus be a burning lamp to guide the path of those who have lost their way and who seek to find a path that will restore them to life.”
He later concludes by saying: “Do not forget that charity begins with humility and the kindness that each person deserves and expects of us, who have been called to be servants and not masters, as the Gospel we heard today warns us. May Our Lady, the Virgin Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, be your balm in times of trial. And may the witness of Saint Alphonsus and all the saints of the congregation be the courage you need in this time. And now let us ask the Lord for the grace of ordination that will complete the faith and humanity you offer in response. So be it.”
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Here are brief biographical notes on these three young people.
Alexander Jesús Hernández Reyes, CSsR, was born on January 13, 1994, in El Charal, in the municipality of Unión, in the state of Falcón, Venezuela. He is the son of María Reyes and José Hernández and is the second of five children. He entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in 2012. He made his temporary profession on January 23, 2020, and his perpetual profession on March 15, 2026. His vocation is inspired by Mark 1:17: “Come with me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Carlos Daniel Franco Ramírez, CSsR, was born on March 3, 2000, in Andes, Antioquia, Colombia. He is the son of Zaida Ramírez Carmona and Leonardo de Jesús Franco Arias. He is the elder of two brothers. He entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer on January 29, 2017. He professed temporary vows on January 5, 2022, and perpetual vows on March 15, 2026. His vocation is marked by the motto: “He looked at him with mercy and chose him.”
Reilander Antonio Aldana Vargas, CSsR, was born on December 14, 1996, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. He is the son of Rosa María Vargas Rodríguez and Cipriano Ramón Aldana Vález. He is the youngest of seven children. He entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer on April 30, 2017. He professed his temporary vows on January 28, 2022, and his perpetual vows on March 15, 2026. His vocation is inspired by Isaiah 6:8: “Here am I, send me.”
