Last Saturday, during the annual meeting of Hispanic pastoral councils at the Spanish Apostolate, Father Ovidio Pecharromán (pictured at right) and Sister Carmen Guerrero, director of the Pastoral Formation Institute, received standing ovations for their many years of work in this diocesan office for the Hispanic community. Both, along with Beatriz Pachón, director for pastoral programs, will leave the office at the end of the month.

Previously, Father Pecharromán, who headed the diocesan office since 1992, introduced Father José Eugenio Hoyos, current pastor of Holy Family Parish in Dale City, as his successor.

"I am happy to have served former Bishop John R. Keating and Bishop Paul S. Loverde in the evangelization of the baptized of Hispanic origin, whom I know well, admire and love," said Father Pecharromán.

"Father Pecharromán’s charisma, intellect and leadership over the past 13 years have brought Christ into the lives of our many Latinos. I am grateful for Father Pecharromán’s selfless dedication, which is a treasured gift to our entire diocese," said Bishop Loverde.  

"We love you, padre Ovidio, we love you so much," said a tearful Yamilet Vargas, a parishioner from St. James Parish in Falls Church and a friend of the priest for the last 24 years.

"The sudden news of his departure was a shock," said Vargas. "Absolutely, a shock."

Father Pecharromán will continue with his responsibilities as U.S. provincial of the Diocesan Laborer Priests, an international Catholic institute that encourages priestly vocations. This fall he will teach at the Pontifical University of Mexico in Mexico City and his op-ed column will continue to be published in this newspaper.  

Regarding his appointment, Father Hoyos said that he felt honored and very grateful for the new mission. "I look forward to the responsibility of serving the bishop in his pastoral work with this vibrant and growing Hispanic community," he said.

"There are many challenges, among them to promote vocations in the Hispanic community every day, everywhere. We also will encourage more solidarity and generosity in our community in support of the financial needs of the diocese’s programs," said Father Hoyos.

Born in Colombia in 1957, Father Hoyos arrived in the Arlington diocese in 1988. His first assignment was at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington, followed by nine years at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Falls Church. In 2001, he was incardinated into the diocese and named administrator of Holy Family Parish in Dale City.

Father Hoyos became in 2003 the first Hispanic pastor in the history of the diocese. His installation had a special feeling since, at that time, he had suffered an illness that brought him face to face with death.

"I am here again. I feel good and I’m very thankful to God for giving me an opportunity to serve you in this new capacity," he said.

Father Hoyos has also served numerous nonprofit groups nationally and regionally. Until recently he was a member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. Last month he established in Woodbridge a group to provide youths with educational programs and activities in an effort to discourage them from joining gangs.

Among other activities, he has helped develop television and radio programs for the Hispanic community in Northern Virginia, and is a regular contributor for several Spanish language publications, including one in El Salvador.  

"I will continue to dedicate my heart to the evangelization of the Hispanic community.  We have one Christ, one faith, one baptism. As Hispanic Catholics, we bring the riches of our culture, music and devotions to the universal Church," he said.

"We will work tirelessly. We will continue Father Ovidio’s legacy and the bishop’s vision for the future," said Father Hoyos.

St. Anthony of Padua Parish permanent deacon Mario Mendoza said that "the power of Father Hoyos is his charisma. He is charming, people love him and certainly he is very committed to the community, either here in the region or in Latin America."

Father Hoyos’ new residence will be St. Philip Parish in Falls Church.