Fr. Dan Callahan, SA, shares the latest update on the formation journey of three postulants who have joined our community in Lima, Peru.
“The postulancy program offers men the chance to live in community while engaging in spiritual, academic and pastoral preparation for the Novitiate—a time of focused prayer and discernment before taking religious vows. We are deeply blessed to welcome these men into our formation program.” – Fr. Dan Callahan, SA
Indilicio Hilario Trinidad
At 29, Indilicio comes from the Quechua-speaking village of San Juan Papuso, in the Junín, a region of Peru called the Sylvia. In Peru, the Sylvia translates to the forest regions between the mountains and the jungles of Peru. Indilicio is studying Philosophy at the St. John XXIII Institute of Theology. He is also involved in working with the youth in the neighborhood. When some of us went to San Juan to celebrate the Easter Triduum this past spring, it was to the village of St. Juan Papuso, and we stayed with Indilicio’s family for those few days.
Cesar Alfonso Chicaiza Montoya
Cesar, 39, comes to us from Santo Domingo, Ecuador. He is studying theology and personal integration at the CONFER (Conference of Religious of Peru.) This program will prepare him for entrance into a novitiate and for further theological studies. Cesar’s artistic skills are appreciated very much in the preparations and liturgical celebrations held in the community. Cesar is also engaged in a program for preparing Juvenile delinquents incarcerated here in the city to receive the sacraments.
Antony Christian Sotomayor Escalante
Antony Christian Sotomayor Escalante, 46, is a native of Lima, Peru. He is finishing his 4-year theology program at Redemptoris Mater Institute in Callao, Peru. This neighboring city is known because Pope Leo XIV was administrator of this diocese before he went to Rome. Antony has been involved in ministry at Maranguita, a detention facility for youth and adolescents. He enlisted members of our own community to become involved and now on Saturday afternoons, several of us take a bus to this facility to prepare the residents to receive the sacraments. The Chaplain is very appreciative of our engagement in this program which is making sacramental preparation a possibility.
We ask that you keep Indilicio, Cesar and Antony in your prayers as they continue their journey of formation. May their dedication and service inspire others to listen for God’s call and respond with open hearts.