The Church in Paraguay

Bishop Gabriel Escobar, auxiliary bishop of Asunción and representative of the Conference of Religious of Paraguay (CONFERPAR) for the CEP, delivered a homily at a meeting of the Conference of Religious of Paraguay on October 30, 2026.

During the homily, Bishop Escobar stated that human dignity must take precedence over formal structures and that mercy should not be limited by rigid interpretations of the law. He urged those in consecrated life not to become indifferent to the suffering of the people.

A book documenting the life and ministry of Monsignor Dionisio Echagüe was launched Sunday at the Immaculate Conception Chapel in Itá. The book, titled "Pa'i Lulo. Misionero de la Misericordia," is now available for purchase at the Verdad y Vida bookstore in the Metropolitan Seminary.

Monsignor Echagüe, known as Pa'i Lulo, was among 7 deacons ordained as priests on October 27, 1968, at the Metropolitan Seminary by Archbishop Aníbal Mena Porta. He recently marked 58 years of priestly ordination. His service included roles as rector of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Asunción, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, and Episcopal Vicar. He also served as the secretary for the Papal Commission that organized the visit of Pope John Paul II to the country in 1988.

His ministry included service in the parishes of Recoleta, Inmaculada Concepción, San Pedro and San Pablo, San Agustín de Loma Pytâ, Medalla Milagrosa de Zeballos Cué, Sagrados Corazones de Mariano R. Alonso, San José Obrero, and Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de Areguá. He also led the Youth Ministry and served as secretary of the Pastoral Council of the Curia and as a member of the College of Consultors.

Apostolic Nuncio Vincenzo Turturro presided over a Mass on Tuesday, October 27, at the Virgen del Carmen Takuruty Chapel in Villeta to mark the 58th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Fathers Zacarías Martínez, Dionisio Echague, and Alejo Robadin.

The Mass was concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishop of Asunción Gabriel Escobar, Bishop of San Lorenzo Joaquín Robledo, Bishop of Carapeguá Celestino Ocampos, and Bishop of Benjamín Aceval Amancio Benítez. The honorees were part of a group of seven men ordained on October 27, 1968, at the Metropolitan Seminary by Archbishop Aníbal Mena Porta.

During the homily, Monsignor Turturro described the priesthood as a gift of love from God to the Church. He noted that priests serve through God's grace despite human fragility and called on families to encourage new vocations.