Rodolfo Luna Makes His Commitment to Full Apostolic Availability in Arequipa
In an emotional ceremony held on Thursday, November 21, our brother Rodolfo Luna Díaz del Olmo made his Commitment to Full Apostolic Availability (FAA) for life in the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. The Eucharist took place at 7:00 p.m. in the Señor de los Milagros Chapel, located in the Manuel Prado neighborhood, Arequipa, and was presided over by Mons. Adriano Tomasi Travaglia, OFM, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Lima.
The Sodalits who attended the Mass with Rodolfo and Mons. Adriano.
Rodolfo was accompanied by his family, including his parents Carlos and Rosa, his brothers Jorge, Regional Superior of Peru, Carlos, and Martín, as well as other relatives. In addition to his Sodalit brothers from Arequipa and Lima, members of the spiritual family from various apostolic works and the Christian Life Movement in Arequipa and Ayaviri (Puno) were also present.
A Journey Marked by Providence
According to Rodolfo, this commitment is the result of a process of preparation that included moments of grace and providential challenges. He especially recalled the five-day spiritual retreat prior to the ceremony and his experience in Nemi, Italy, where he deepened his vocation during the time of integration: “It was a time to understand that it is the Lord who calls and with whom you make your commitment.”
“I have gone through many circumstances that, at the time, seemed like obstacles, but that I have come to recognize as part of the Lord’s providence. Through them, I have discovered how God uses His own ways to show His love and work in people’s hearts.”
Treasuring Graces in the Heart, Like Mary
Rodolfo kneeling to ask for the intercession of all the saints.
During the ceremony, the Magnificat echoed as an expression of his experience: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Rodolfo described it as a reflection of the joy and awe he felt in witnessing God’s work in his life.
Reflecting on the Mass experience, he shared: “I believe the Holy Spirit moves in mysterious ways, and it is up to us, like Mary, to treasure those graces in our hearts and remember God’s actions in our lives to remain faithful.”
“He called me to the Sodalitium because that is what God wanted, to consecrate me to a lay apostolate that makes Christ present in the world,” he added.
Mons. Adriano and Rodolfo.
The words of Mons. Tomasi during his homily, “It seems the Blessed Virgin has wanted to take you by the hand on your path of consecration,” deeply moved Rodolfo’s heart. He shared the reason behind this profound experience.
“When I reflect on my long path of consecration, I truly feel this is the case. During my time in Nemi, I also painted an icon of Mary holding the Child Jesus by the hand, and I decided to use that image as one of the commemorative holy cards for my FAA, along with another of Saint John Paul II. All of this felt deeply providential to me.”
A Call to Seek God
Finally, Rodolfo encouraged everyone to open their hearts to God’s call: “God loves us deeply, and to know Him and experience that love, we must seek Him, especially in prayer. United with Jesus and holding the hand of the Virgin Mary, whatever His love desires for our lives will come forth.”
Rodolfo with his parents and brothers.
Currently, Rodolfo lives out his apostolate through various responsibilities that reflect his commitment to the mission. He teaches History at the San Juan Apóstol School. Additionally, he is pursuing a master’s degree in History at the Catholic University of San Pablo. Within his community, he also collaborates in everyday life by taking charge of the kitchen as part of his fraternal service.