On 12 and 13 September of this year, the Pious Schools of Mexico experienced a spiritual and communal milestone with two deeply significant moments in the life of Brother Óscar Osbaldo Méndez Méndez: his profession of solemn vows and his diaconal ordination.
On 12 September, at 12:00 p.m., the Solemn Profession was celebrated at the Instituto Carlos Pereyra in Puebla. The solemn Eucharist was presided over by the Provincial, Fr Fernando Hernández Avilés, during which Brother Óscar expressed his definitive consecration to the Lord as a Piarist religious. The ceremony was attended by the educational community of Instituto Carlos Pereyra; parishioners from the community of Cristo Rey Xochiojca, Zongolica (Veracruz); Piarist religious of the Province; members of the Piarist Fraternity; children from Hogares Calasanz; parishioners of the Parish of San Baltazar Campeche; benefactors, family and friends.
During the homily, there was a reflection on the formative process of Piarist religious, its stages and the depth of the vocational call. Óscar’s “yes” was celebrated as a sign of hope and fidelity to the charism of Saint Joseph Calasanz.
At the end of the celebration, a moment of fraternity was shared on the school basketball court, where food was offered to all present in an atmosphere of joy and communion.
On 13 September, at 1:00 p.m., the Diaconal Ordination took place in the majestic Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Puebla. Brother Óscar received the order of the diaconate from the hands of Most Rev. Víctor Sánchez Espinosa, Metropolitan Archbishop of Puebla. The celebration was attended by Piarist religious of the Province of Mexico, the Piarist Sisters, parishioners of the Parish of San Baltazar Campeche, various apostolic groups, friends and family.
In his homily, the Archbishop highlighted the essence of diaconal service, underlining the deacon’s commitment to the Word, charity and the liturgy—a call to live the ministry received with humility and dedication.
Afterwards, the community returned to Instituto Carlos Pereyra, where Óscar’s ordination was enthusiastically celebrated. At this fraternal gathering, Archbishop Víctor was also present, sharing food with those gathered and blessing the new path now begun by Deacon Óscar Osbaldo Méndez Méndez.
These two days were a living testimony to God’s action in the lives of those who consecrate themselves to the service of children and young people, especially the poorest. The Piarist community joins in prayer and gratitude for the gift of Óscar’s vocation, trusting that his ministry will be fruitful and full of light.
Prof. Ángel Gabriel Cortés Ita
Director of Pastoral, Instituto Carlos Pereyra, A.C.
