On Wednesday, 11 June 2025, we gathered in a vigil of vocational prayer for our brother Vu, originally from Vietnam, who has been part of our Province of Fátima since his theological studies. Vu was approved by our Provincial Government to be ordained a deacon in the city of Las Palmas on 12 June 2025.
From the evening before the ordination, a spirit of faith, prayer, participation, communion, and family could be felt in the Heart of Mary Parish in Las Palmas. Some of Vu’s friends and relatives had arrived from Rome, Paris, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Seville, along with a large group of Filipino friends and family living in Las Palmas (Vu spent over seven years in the Philippines). All were warmly welcomed by the Claretians of Las Palmas, our Provincial Superior, and the Prefect of Formation.
In a solemn and carefully prepared liturgy, in which every detail was attentively considered to reflect the Mystery and Glory of God, we were blessed with a moment of deep encounter, thanksgiving, and renewed missionary impetus. The celebration was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Don Cristóbal, with the diocesan deacon Juan Medina, permanent deacons who came to welcome the ordinand, the diocesan seminary, the Claretian missionaries, and the faithful People of God. All contributed to a celebration that reminded us how deeply the world longs for a love made manifest in selfless and silent service.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our brother Anthony Ho Quoc Vu, CMF, and we pray that this new chapter as a Claretian and deacon may continue to lead him to offer his life within the Church, for the ones dearest to God, proclaiming the Word of God to every creature, in the spirit and example of Saint Anthony Mary Claret.
Fr. Santiago Cerrato Cáceres, CMF
