Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, on October 23, 2009 appointed Fr. Mario de Jesus Alvarez Gomez, of the clergy of the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Osos, National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies in Colombia for five years (30/10/2009-30/10/2014).
The new National Director was born in Medellin-Antioquia (Colombia) on October 19, 1959. After attending the minor seminary of the Diocese of Santa Rosa de Osos, he studied philosophy and theology at the major seminary. He was ordained a priest on November 19, 1985. After ordination, he held various positions: assistant priest in a parish, Spiritual Director at the Minor Seminary and Professor of Liturgy and Philosophy at the Major Seminary, Prefect and later Bursar of the Minor Seminary. In 1990, he went to Rome for specialization in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. After completing his studies, he was called to form part of a team of Bible translators. Returning to his diocese, was appointed professor of Sacred Scripture at the diocesan seminary and in 1995, Vicar General of the diocese and later, Diocesan Bursar as well. In 1997, he left his position as Diocesan Bursar to take on, together with the post of Vicar General, that of Vicar of Pastoral Ministry. On December 22, 1999, he was appointed Rector of the Diocesan Seminary of Saint Thomas Aquinas, January 2, 2003 at the parish priest of “San Pedro de los Milagros” and on December 22, 2008, pastor of the Cathedral of Santa Rosa, a position he currently holds. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 27/05/2010)
