In Guatemala, on January 11, the Secular Institute of Pius X received the gift of two new consecrated lay members. Tomás López and Aníbal Rustrián made their first commitment within our Apostolic Family during a well-attended celebration held at the Rectory of Saint Joseph. Tomás came to know the Institute at the age of 14 and, for more than eight years, walked with us in preparation for this commitment. He is a farmer, a member of an Indigenous people of Guatemala, and a recognized leader in his community. Aníbal, for his part, is 42 years old; he is an artist and a florist. He currently works in a parish. In addition, in his home parish of San José Pinula, he takes part in the community soup kitchen that serves people experiencing homelessness.
The fruits of vocational ministry are also seen in other countries. On January 8, in Colombia, Eduardo Ribón renewed his commitment as a consecrated layperson for a third year. Eduardo is an educator and an author and lives in Cartagena. Congratulations to Tomás, Aníbal, and Eduardo for their faithful and generous “yes.”
The group of associate members also continues to be renewed. In Colombia and Guatemala, two single women associates made their commitment. In Colombia, Angélica Fernández renewed hers for the third consecutive year on December 27, 2025, while in Guatemala, Maricruz Chávez made her first commitment on January 11 of the current year. Both work as teachers in the field of early childhood education.
The commitment of these new members challenges all of us. Saint Paul exhorts us strongly: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercy of God, to offer your very selves—your whole person—as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God: this is the spiritual worship you are to offer” (Rom 12:1). Through baptism we have been immersed in the death and resurrection of Christ; we no longer belong to ourselves. Our secular consecration, expressed in total self-giving of oneself, is a deepening of this baptismal grace: a daily offering of our entire life, wherever we are sent.
The experience lived in Colombia and Guatemala confirms that the vocational ministry of the Pius X Secular Institute is born of encounter, strengthened through accompaniment, and flourishes wherever daily life allows itself to be touched by the Gospel.
