Ordination of Jorge Villegas-Ccatamayo, O.Carm.

A proud mother entered Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Jose Galvez, Peru on the Feast of the Presentation. Appropriately, she and her family presented their son, Jorge Villegas- Ccatamayo to the Order of Carmelites and to the Catholic Church, that he would be ordained a priest.

The weekday in early February, family and friends filled the Carmelite church to pray in thanksgiving and in praise for the life of Villegas, who continues to remain an example of a faith filled life.

The sanctuary was filled with the odor of bouquets of flowers and presence of support. Villegas, born in Atocongo, returned home to be sent, answering the call of a Carmelite to live and serve in the midst of God’s people.

Most Reverend Carlos Garcia Camader, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lima, Peru, evoked the Holy Spirit as many have before, that the one he placed his hands upon would be an active presence of Jesus Christ.

“Father Pepe’s ordination was a celebration of life; the life of the Christian Community of Jose Galvez, the life of the order in Peru and the life of the Catholic Church of Lima, Peru. The people celebrated their faith in God, trust in the church and joy as a Carmelite community,” said Reverend Michael Sgarioto, O.Carm.

In October of 2003 Father Villegas received the order of deacon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, in Miraflores, Peru.

Following his ordination to the priesthood, Father Villegas was assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Jose Galvez- Atocongo, where Rev. Gerald Payea, O.Carm., is pastor.

“Father Jorge Villegas has been serving in the Peruvian Carmelite Commissariat for many years. We are delighted that he is now a priest and will be serving at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Jose Galvez with Father Gerry Payea. We believe that they will be an effective team,” said the Very Reverend John F. Russell, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Most Heart of Mary Province.

“Father Pepe will be an excellent priest with whom the people will feel at home,” said Sgarioto.