Monsignor Chico shares his testimony at the vigil for vocations

Bishop Chico Shares His Testimony at the Vigil for Vocations Bishop Lorca Planes of Cartagena and Bishop Chico Martínez, Bishop-elect of the Diocese, participated yesterday in the prayer vigil organized by CONFER (the Conference of Religious) and the Diocesan Office for Vocations, on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and Native Vocations called for by Pope Francis this Sunday, May 12. “This moment of prayer and adoration is a joy and a blessing for me, as I conclude my retreat and present myself now, fully available to be ordained a bishop and to begin serving our Church of Cartagena, in faith, as Auxiliary Bishop.” With these words, and before the Blessed Sacrament, Bishop Chico Martínez shared his vocational testimony with the faithful, whom he also thanked for taking advantage of the vigil to intercede for his ministry. During his testimony, Bishop Chico explained the process he underwent before his priestly ordination, his subsequent experiences in the various parishes where he has served as pastor, and his feelings as rector of the seminary. He also shared how he experienced the news of his episcopal ordination and how he has been preparing for his new ministry ever since. His message concluded with words of encouragement under the motto proposed by Pope Francis for this day: “Never be afraid to respond to God’s thirst. Never be afraid to respond to God’s dream.” Before the prayer vigil ended, Bishop Lorca Planes blessed the episcopal symbols that will be presented to the new bishop tomorrow: the ring, the mitre, the crosier, and also a pectoral cross.