Guatemala

Home of Missionary Fraternity of Mary…

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Current Mission Updates

2025 Updates

Philosophical Thesis Projects from Our Philosophy Seminarians:

• Why Do Priests Need Philosophy?
  • “Philosophy is the understanding of that human process of questioning and searching to which faith seeks to respond.” (Pope Benedict XVI)10.18.2010
• On March 14^th, 2025, the philosophy seminarians in the Discipleship Stage of Formation presented their philosophical research projects.

• The Director of Academic Formation, Fr. Germán Jicha, formally received their thesis projects.
• Learn about the interesting thesis topics the seminarians will develop:
  • Ángel Ortiz: “Ethical Responsibility in the Age of Disinformation.”
  • Diego Mancilla: “Alienation in Liquid Modernity According to Zygmunt Bauman’s Thought.”
  • Jaime Hernández: “Hyperactivity in the 21st Century: A Problem of Alienation, according to Byun Chul Han.”
  • Mario Sunuc: “Culture and Intercultural Dialogues in Latin American Philosophy since Raúl Fornet Betancourt.”
  • Otto Peñate: “The Search for Happiness in St. Augustine of Hippo”.
  • Osbin Ticun: “A Perspective on the Forgetting of the Inherent Dignity of the Person and Its Possible Recovery in Karol Wojtyla.”

• We appreciate the dedication with which they strive to find the truth and contribute to building an increasingly just and fraternal society in the 21st century. 

Theological Thesis Projects from Our Theology Seminarians:

• Importance of the theology in priesthood formation:
  • “Love the study of theology and carry it out in the clear realization that theology is anchored in the living community of the Church, which, with her authority, is not the antithesis of theological science but its presupposition. Cut off from the believing Church, theology would cease to be itself, and instead, it would become a medley of different disciplines lacking inner unity.” (Pope Benedict XVI) 10.18.2010

• On April 3rd, 2025, the theology seminarians in the Configuration Stage of Formation presented their theological research projects for the final presentation of their theological dissertations, culminating their four years of theological studies. 
• The Director of Academic Formation, Fr. Germán Jicha, and the St. Paul VI Major Seminary Rector, Fr. Elías Chirix, FMM, validated the various projects.
• These are the research topics addressed by our seminarians:
  • Edin Tzep: “Spiritual Direction in the Initial Formation of the Missionaries of the Missionary Fraternity of Mary.”
  • Neftaly Velásquez: “<He taught them with authority>: A theological-biblical analysis of Matthew 7:29a.”
  • Jaime Matzir: “Priestly Celibacy: Gift and Mystery. Criteria and Tasks of Initial Formation for Freedom and Affective Maturity.”
  • Rubelio Ramos : “Liturgical Celebrations Belong to the Entire People of God.”

• The approval of their theological dissertation projects represents a key moment in their academic and pastoral formation. It is the result of a process of deepening and discernment.

On January 15th, 2025, the Newly initiated seminarians of the Encounter Stage—Aspirancy received their albs for the first time.

• The alb is the first liturgical vestment that a candidate for the priesthood receives.
• This vestment symbolizes dedication to the priestly vocation.
• This act marks the beginning of their journey toward the priestly ordination they will one day receive.
• This white vestment signifies the self-denial and chastity that is befitting a priest. In this initial stage of their formation, our seminarians begin to shape their priestly life with this vestment.
• In the Fraternity, the “Encounter Stage – Aspirancy” takes place at the San Bartholomew Apostol formation house, located in San Lucas Sacatepéquez, and is part of the entire process of the Paul VI Major Seminary of the Missionary Fraternity of Mary.
• The blessing of Albas took place during the celebration of the Eucharist, presided by Fr. Oswaldo Pérez, Prefect of Formation, and concelebrated by several priests of the Fraternity.
• The participation of some of our seminarians’ parents was also very significant.

News of the Human Formation in the Seminary

• The Greenhouse Project at the Seminary
• One of the four dimensions of formation for the future missionary priest in the Fraternity is the Human-Fraternal Dimension.

• This dimension, which aims to develop the missionary’s human qualities, does not overlook any aspect of human sensitivity, such as the love of work in the simple things of life, including cultivating the land and enjoying its fruits. At the beginning of this year, 2025, our seminarians received technical training in tomato planting and cultivation.
• This work resulted in the enjoyment of eating fresh tomatoes in the seminary and reaping the fruits of work in fraternity and the love for simple things.
• The seminary rector says:
• “Our Lord Jesus Christ explained the Kingdom of Heaven with the parable of the sower. How can we fail to appreciate the simplicity of sowing a seed and understanding eternal realities?”
• Mr. Francisco Tzaj was a great help in this project. He is an expert in greenhouse construction and planting various crops, and he provided our seminarians with technical training for this project.

NEWS OF THE PASTORAL VOCATION

• First Vocational Retreat of 2025, March 15 and 16.

• One of the Missionary Fraternity of Mary’s ongoing activities is its vocational retreats. These retreats extend Jesus’ invitation to follow Him and experience being his missionary disciples.
• A vocational retreat marks the beginning of the long process of receiving formation and eventually becoming a missionary priest. The vocational retreats highlight the fraternity’s charism and spirituality, which are centered on celebrating the Eucharist and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• This first vocational retreat had this theme: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.” (Jn. 15:16)
• Please consider supporting the Missionary Fraternity of Mary so that this pastoral action may continue and so could engage many young men in carrying out Jesus’ mission.

2024 Updates

How can others support this mission?

• Supporting this mission can take various forms, and each contribution makes a difference. Here are some ways others can support the Fraternity’s mission:
  • Prayer: 🙏 Encourage others to pray for the success of the mission, the well-being of the priests, and the spiritual growth of the community. Prayer is a powerful force that sustains and uplifts.
  • Financial Support: Donations play a crucial role in sustaining the mission. Individuals can contribute financially to cover operational costs, support outreach programs, and provide resources for the parish community. Make a Donation- click here.

2023 Updates

• Fr. Fabián Rodas who was serving in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, was assigned to be the Rector at the Mayor Seminary of the Fraternity in Guatemala City.

2022 Updates

• Through the Program of Formation for lay people, 14 people received a Diploma in Pastoral Theology.
• Please continue to pray for vocations.
• In addition, please prayerfully continue to support our mission work with your financial support.
  • We are so blessed to receive support from both individual and corporate sponsors.
  • To donate online please click here.

2021 Updates

• Guatemala is a small country in Central America but it is here in this country where the Missionary Fraternity of Mary began its Mission in 1984 and still remains today.

• Our Formation House is located in the City of Guatemala where 42 Missionary Priests are serving in 27 parishes.
• In the Diocese of Santa Rosa 12 priests in 6 parishes.
• Archdiocese of Guatemala 16 priests in 12 parishes.
• In the Vicariate of Sacatepequez 14 priests in 9 parishes.

2020 – Updates

• This year we were blessed with 11 new missionary priests.
  • On January 25^th, 2020 – 8 were ordained at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Guatemala City.
  • On February 21st, 2020 – an additional 3 were ordained at their home Parish in Patzun, Chimaltenango, Guatemala.
• Currently there are 75 Seminarians in formation in different levels of studies.

Photos from Ordination

2020 Photos of Seminarians

2020 Church Activities and Events

Fall 2018 – Updates

• May 2018 – there are 92 Seminarians in formation in different levels of studies.
• Eight of our seminarians at the Major Seminary finished their Theological studies. 
• They will begin their pastoral year experience in a parish before Diaconate.

Guatemala Seminary Photos