A Call to Priestly Ministry
On July 22, 2017, in Medellín, Colombia, I was ordained a deacon in the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP). This step affirmed my commitment to a movement seeking equality and equity for women in the Roman Catholic Church. On June 2, 2018, I received priestly ordination in Piedecuesta, Santander, surrounded by family, friends, and students.
Since then, I have sought to remain faithful to this vocation amid both internal and external difficulties. My ministry includes celebrating the Eucharist, anointing the sick, offering spiritual accompaniment, and making the mission of ARCWP visible in different communities. I have supported my own participation in regional meetings while continuing to strengthen the movement’s presence in society.
The Spirituality of Caring for Creation
My rural roots have given me a deep connection to land, air, fire, and water. I grew up learning to cultivate and care for the earth, and my family continues to live in the countryside. For the María de Magdala community, protecting the environment—especially water—is a lasting spiritual commitment.
In Charta, near the Santurbán moorland, abundant water resources face threats from mining, the privatization of springs, and pollution. Our response includes water stewardship, organic agriculture, food production, planting trees, protecting water sources, and joining local conservation and peace-building efforts. At the María de Magdala center, the organic garden produces food, and environmental education reaches local families and young people, including a village soccer school.
This work continues to require seeds, organic fertilizer, educational materials, transportation, fencing supplies, labor, and improvements to rural water systems.
María de Magdala: A Place of Community and Renewal
The María de Magdala House in the Pantanos district of Charta, about 36 kilometers from Bucaramanga, seeks to nurture individual and communal growth. Its mission embraces physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being, with particular attention to the advancement of women.
The center brings together the María de Magdala Inclusive Catholic Community (ARCWP) and the Fundación Riqueza Activa (Active Wealth Foundation). It welcomes children, young people, women, families, adults, and organizations for gatherings, education, walks, spiritual accompaniment, and legal and psychosocial support. Development to date includes access-road construction, cabins, a stove, books, and spaces for meetings and training. Needs include a library, sleeping accommodations, a community dining area, meeting room, oratory, and outdoor recreation spaces.
Liberating Education as a Path to Peace
I believe education frees the human spirit and helps people resist exploitation, oppression, and poverty. Much of my educational work focuses on rural communities, where opportunities can be scarce despite the wealth of human potential.
Three initiatives have been developed at the center: an English school for rural children and teenagers; opportunities for adults to complete primary and secondary education, including a high-school qualification program; and recognition of older adults’ knowledge, ancestral wisdom, and lifelong contributions. The English program also envisions human-rights education, sports, the arts, and family learning. Further progress calls for teachers, scholarships, internet access, computers, books, sports equipment, and transportation.
Feminist Pastoral Ministry and Women’s Equality
The struggle for women’s rights is inseparable from my spiritual vocation. I see women as prophetic voices who can challenge unjust structures and help liberate others. Through education, testimony, advocacy, radio programs, and participation in women’s movements, I work to raise awareness of gender inequality both within the Church and in wider society.
This includes sharing ARCWP’s vision with different groups, addressing gender equality in education, and seeking partnerships for programs serving girls, adolescents, and young women. The work is ongoing: transforming attitudes and structures requires persistence, solidarity, and public witness.
Human Rights, Solidarity, and Peace
We cannot ignore people facing poverty, exclusion, abandonment, violence, and violations of their dignity. Our response combines advocacy with practical acts of solidarity. This ministry has included educational talks on human trafficking, domestic and sexual violence, and human rights; support for victims; collaboration with institutions; peace advocacy; and radio outreach.
Practical projects have also improved rural living conditions, including a cement floor and stove for a woman with limited resources and assistance in building a home for three students who lost their parents to domestic violence. These efforts reflect the ministry's core conviction: actions speak louder than words.
Next steps include expanding human-rights education, strengthening partnerships, and developing projects with farmers focused on environmental care, water conservation, gender equality, species protection, and organic gardening.
Continuing Formation and an Invitation to Participate
Ongoing education helps us respond to the changing challenges of ministry. My formation includes training sessions, meetings, conferences, forums, and higher academic study. Future goals include completing a master’s degree, pursuing doctoral studies, and contributing further academic work.
The María de Magdala community welcomes volunteers and supporters who wish to participate in its spiritual, educational, environmental, and social ministries. Together, we can help build a more inclusive Church and a more just and caring world.
Contact and Further Reading
María de Magdala Integral Center, Pantanos Village, Charta Municipality, Santander, Colombia. Email: corazonplanetario@gmail.com. Telephone: 314 838 6021 or 317 383 3912.
Related article: https://www.vanguardia.com/area-metropolitana/bucaramanga/santa-rebeldia-asi-se-ordeno-la-primera-presbitera-santandereana-PEVL435684
Editor’s note: Adapted into article form from a first-person ministry report. References to plans and resource needs reflect the original report and may not describe their current status.
