On April 30, in the Mother of God of Czestochowa Parish in Naucalpan, State of Mexico, celebrated the 50 years of priestly life of the Augustinian Recollect Francisco Javier Goizueta, in the context of Good Shepherd Sunday.
The Augustinian Recollect Francisco Javier Goizueta Solano (Pamplona, Navarra, Spain, 1943) celebrated last Sunday IV of Easter, in which traditionally reflects on the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination, which took place on April 2, 1973 at the Cathedral of Ciudad Madera (Chihuahua, Mexico) from the hands of his uncle, the Augustinian Recollect Justo Goizueta (1912-1991), first prelate of the Prelature of Madera, today the Diocese of Cuauhtémoc-Madera.
In thanksgiving, the honoree indicated that “Jesus gives everything, he is generous and gives, open yourself to love, that he is free.” And he added: “Thanks to Jesus. I was faithful, although it costs. Thanks to my blood family, who he is disturbing Saint Peter [in reference to his deceased parents and brothers]. Thanks to the Augustinian-Recollect family. Let’s thank God who gives us everything. I love you.”
The Augustinian-Recollect Family in the surroundings of Mexico City rejoiced with this religious whose ministerial service has always been developed in the American continent, in Mexico and Venezuela. It has worked especially in family ministry, accompaniment of couples and has watched over that permanent training is a quality resource, also supporting the initial training of applicants.
In Mexico he has worked in two main geographical areas: the North, in the parishes of the Prelature of Madera (Nicolás Bravo, Santa Ana, El Terrero) and in the state capital, Chihuahua; in the central area around Mexico City, the temples of Churubusco, Pantitlan and Santa Mónica and in the Postulancy Saint Augustine. He is currently the parochial vicar of the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes from Mexico City, with residence in the community of Naucalpan (Czestochowa).
The Augustinian-Recollect Family has accompanied Fray Javier on his priestly golden jubilee in a especially emotional and affectionate ceremony. The vicar of the Province of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine for Mexico and Costa Rica, Fray Martín Luengo, was at the altar concelebrating with religious of the local community, of Hospitals and of the Postulancy and the president of the ceremony, the Bishop Francisco Javier Acero, Augustinian Recollect and Auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Mexico.
Fray Javier’s life has moved between his affection for his native land, Navarra; his service to the People of God in Mexico and Venezuela; and his admiration for Saint Augustine, who is often the motive and center of his talks and formative meetings with faithful and religious. The parish community organized a hearty aperitif for all those present, which was followed by food for about thirty guests, including religious and closest friends, at the residence of the religious.
