Father Emilio Garreaud celebrates 35 years of priesthood in Lima
On August 14th, on the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Sodalit community and many faithful gathered at the parish of Our Lady of Reconciliation to joyfully celebrate the 35th anniversary of priestly ordination of Fr. Emilio Garreaud, who was accompanied by his family, friends, and members of the parish community.
Fr. Emilio during the remarks by Fr. Juan Carlos Rivva.
During his homily, Fr. Emilio expressed his deep gratitude: “It is a beautiful day for this servant who speaks to you, to thank God for the blessings he has had with me.”
“This is a good opportunity to confess and recognize that it is the Lord who has done everything, it has been a clear miracle, because in the face of the realization of my impotence and weakness, what could I expect from myself? Therefore, with amazement and surprise at so many blessings, I have to continue confessing with the psalmist: Not to us Lord, not to us, but to your Name give glory,” he said.
Father Emilio giving the Eucharist to his mother.
“God in his providence made me know the Sodalitium”
Fr. Emilio fondly recalled the moment when he felt called to the priesthood, highlighting God’s providence in guiding his steps: “I vividly remember those beautiful moments in 1972, when the desire to follow the Lord entered my heart and suddenly, in those things of God, in his providence, he made me discover the Sodalitium. Today, looking back, and already at the old age of a priest, I thank God for the gift of love received in my community. It has been many years now, more than half a century.”
Over these 35 years, Fr. Emilio has served in various communities and apostolic projects entrusted by the Sodalitium, facing moments of joy as well as difficulties.
Attendees at the Mass for the 35th anniversary of Father Emilio’s priestly ordination.
We have had beautiful moments in our pilgrimage, but also difficulties and misunderstandings, also painful moments, where we have made mistakes, where sin has also manifested itself among us and for this reason I also implore forgiveness before you,” he said.
The first years of priesthood of Fr. Emilio
In 1989, Father Emilio Garreaud was ordained deacon at the San José Chapel in Progresista and, shortly after, priest at the San Agustín Church in Arequipa. During his 15 years in the city, he took on various apostolic projects entrusted to him by the Sodalitium.
Fr. Emilio celebrating the Eucharist.
In his reflections, Fr. Emilio expressed his sincere gratitude to his community and to the Christian Life Movement for the support he received during these first years of his priesthood. He recalled his work in “areas where there was much poverty” and the various works that brought hope and relief to those who needed it most.
Recognition of Father Emilio’s vocation
Words of Fr. Juan Carlos Rivva at the end of the Eucharist.
In an emotional moment, Fr. Juan Carlos Rivva, parish priest and godson of Fr. Emilio, addressed a few words of thanks and recognition to his godfather: “He is the instrument through which the Lord wanted to serve me so that I could become a Sodalite and a priest. Thank you very much, dear Emilio, for your life, for your priesthood, for your fidelity in the midst of situations that have not been easy, but which we certainly look back on and can be thankful for and say how beautiful our life is and how beautiful our vocation is.”
The celebration ended with a gathering in the parish hall, where those in attendance had the opportunity to greet and congratulate Fr. Emilio on his priestly anniversary, reaffirming the community’s affection and gratitude for his dedication and service over these three and a half decades.
Sharing in the parish hall.
You can watch the video of the Holy Mass at this link.