The Diocese of Guaranda prepares for the IEC 2024 with the visit of the Gospel Book
Quito, March 26, 2024
Editorial: Andrés Jaramillo – María José Casco
The particular Church of Guaranda, in the province of Bolívar, lived days of fervor and spiritual renewal with the visit of the Gospel Book, symbol of the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress (IEC 2024), from Saturday March 16 to Tuesday March 26. This visit not only marked a milestone in the preparation for the Congress, but also allowed the parish communities to get closer to the word of God and strengthen their faith.
The Gospel reached the Diocese of Guaranda on March 16, with an emotional Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop José Bolívar Piedra, Bishop of the Diocese of San Pedro de Riobamba. In this ceremony, the Bishop delivered the Gospel to Mons. Jorge Alarcón, Vicar General of the Diocese, and to Fr. Ney Guillermo Restrepo, diocesan delegate for the IEC 2024.
During the following days, the Gospel was received with joy in different communities, including the San Pedro la Catedral parish, the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelite Sisters, the San Pedro de Guanujo Diocesan Sanctuary, and other prominent places in the Diocese.
The Sister Nancy de la Virgen del Carmen Poveda Valverde, from the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Guaranda, expressed: “Having the Gospel in our Monastery has been a grace from God that has stimulated me to search more in the word of God, which is light, guide and strength in our daily walk.”
Mother María del Carmen of the Eucharist Pinto Lozano, Superior of the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites, shared: “The Gospel Book was very solemn during the 40 hours of adoration. Many people participated and they left very happy to have the word of God, which is a very great wealth for us who live a life of prayer and listening to the word of Jesus in the gospel.”
March 19 was especially significant, since the Gospel Book was present in the Chimbo canton during the elevation of the parish temple to the category of Diocesan Sanctuary. The visit continued in several cantons and parishes, including the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guayco.
The Evangeliary’s visit culminated in the Santa Marianita – Balzapamba parish and then in the María Auxiliadora parish in the canton of Caluma, where he was handed over to the commission of the Archdiocese of Portoviejo.
This experience left a deep impression on the parishioners, who lived the word of God closely and strengthened their faith in preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress. The Gospel visit was more than an event, it was a moment of grace and spiritual renewal for the Diocese of Guaranda.
