With an emotional Eucharistic celebration at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in La Granja on Sunday, May 3, the community commemorated the 25th anniversary of the passing of Father Esteban Gumucio sscc, remembered for his closeness to the people and his commitment to the poorest.
One of the central moments of the celebration was the homily delivered by Bishop Alberto Lorenzelli, Auxiliary Bishop of Santiago, who highlighted the priest’s spiritual and pastoral legacy in light of the Gospel: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6).
“Father Esteban did not merely speak about the way: he walked it with his people,” the bishop said, emphasizing that his life was a concrete testimony of following Christ amid the everyday realities of ordinary people.
During his reflection, Bishop Lorenzelli underlined the priest’s pastoral closeness, noting that he never placed himself above the community, but rather alongside it, especially beside those most in need. He also recalled the joy with which Father Esteban proclaimed the Gospel, even in difficult circumstances, bringing hope and a sense of community.
The homily also emphasized his vision of an open and welcoming Church, where the poor are protagonists and not merely recipients, in harmony with the current challenges of a more synodal and close-to-the-people Church.
The celebration was marked by songs, gestures, and the simple yet joyful participation of the community, reflecting a faith deeply rooted in popular religiosity. In this way, the memory of Father Esteban was recognized not only as a remembrance of the past, but as a living witness in a people who continue making Christ visible in the midst of their history.
05/04/2026