Ordination of Fr. Felipe Caal Coy, C.PP.S.

Felipe Caal Coy, C.PP.S., was ordained to the priesthood on December 14, 2011, in the parish of Santa Catalina, in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, a rural region north of Guatemala City where Missionaries of the Precious Blood are in ministry.

Joining in the celebration were Missionaries, diocesan priests and religious brothers and sisters of several congregations. Monseñor Rodolfo Valenzuela Núñez, bishop of Verapaz, presided.

The ceremony was very moving, especially for the Q'eqchi' people of that region. Fr. Caal was born in that region into the Q'eqchi' culture, speaks Q'eqchi' and is very much respected and appreciated by the people there. Many family and friends from Santa Catalina and the surrounding communities came to the ordination; it is estimated that nearly 8,000 people were at the ordination.


Fr. Caal offered thanks to God, whose hand has guided him throughout his life. "I always say that when someone is really called by God, as much as they may try to escape, God seeks them out to be his servant," he told those present at the celebration.

"This is what I have seen God do in my own life. It certainly has been a work grounded in prayer and in the conviction that God was calling me. Thanks to all who have supported me, especially the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. May God help us always to seek holiness in our lives."