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CAM Region Takes on a New Parish in Costa Rica
Samuel Sori Wekin, SVD
The ceremony was presided over by Monsignor Juan Miguel Castro Rojas, Bishop of the Diocese of San Isidro, Puntarenas, and included the official installation of Fr. Néstor Mendoza, SVD, as the new pastor. Before the final blessing, a five-year administration contract was signed between the Bishop and the CAM Regional Superior, Fr. Mateo Yeng, SVD, formalizing the commitment between the diocese and the Congregation for the development of this new mission.
In his homily, Bishop Castro emphasized that this event marked a step toward a Church that goes forth, highlighting the importance of keeping the Eucharist at the center of the mission. He reminded the faithful that the community should be good soil for receiving and sharing the Word of God, as Pope Francis encourages.
Fr. Mateo Yeng, SVD, gave thanks to God and to Bishop Castro for the opportunity to begin this new mission. He emphasized the significance of the parish’s name, St. John Paul II, and reaffirmed the Divine Word Missionaries’ commitment to bringing the light of the Gospel to all corners of the community.
Fr. Néstor, in turn, expressed his joy and gratitude, noting that the 150th anniversary motto of the Congregation, “Witnesses to the Light: From All Nations to All People”, will guide his ministry. He also stressed the importance of bringing the Word of God to those who need it most.
The celebration concluded with a toast, a gesture of fraternity that united the parish community and marked the beginning of a new pastoral chapter. St. John Paul II Parish, which includes more than 23 communities, faces geographical challenges, but this mission is expected to bear spiritual fruit and strengthen the life of the community.
