By Rev. Francisco J. Varela Delgadillo, C.O.R.C.
With great joy, the Spanish speaking priests of the Diocese of San Bernardino were led by the Most Reverend César Garza Miranda, OFM, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Monterrey, Mexico for their annual retreat at El Carmelo Retreat Center in Redlands from Jan. 29- Feb. 2.
Bishop Garza shared topics about priestly life in all its facets, beginning with the importance of integrating the various dimensions in a deep priestly spirituality, from ongoing formation, fidelity to the call, the humble spirituality of the priest, attitudes, and virtues of a pastor, to culminate in the need to foster and live priestly fraternity.
On Feb. 1, Bishop Alberto Rojas concelebrated Mass with Bishop Garza. After celebrating Mass, Bishop Rojas stayed to share dinner and speak with the priests attending the week-long retreat.
Throughout the retreat, Bishop Garza led discussions with a simple methodology but with profound wisdom and specific detail. Bishop Garza guided the priests in personal, priestly and community prayer. Bishop Garza also shared his own priestly experiences and invited the priests to share theirs. Bishop Garza emphasized the importance of internalizing and trying to be open to the powerful voice of God, who also speaks in silence and perceived absences.
Each day ended with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for silent Adoration. Ending each day with Adoration was a privileged moment for the priests in attendance to find themselves at the feet of the Supreme and Eternal Priest.
Rev. Francisco J. Varela Delgadillo, C.O.R.C. is the Administrator at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in San Bernardino