The Prelature of Chuquibambilla, in Peru, now has a new Augustinian bishop: 'I saw Father Wilder enjoying himself, surrounded by his loved ones, joking and sharing his good humor'

On May 17th, the episcopal ordination of our brother, Monsignor Wilder Vásquez Saldaña, O.S.A., as the new bishop of the Prelature of Chuquibambilla took place at the Parish of Saint Augustine in La Encantada de Villa, Chorrillos, Peru.

Accompanying him were the Apostolic Nuncio to Peru, Monsignor Paolo Rocco Gualtieri, and fifteen Peruvian bishops who wished to support their new brother at the beginning of his episcopal ministry.

Among them was Monsignor Edinson Edgardo Farfán, Bishop of Chiclayo—the diocese to which Pope Leo XIV had been incardinated for more than eight years.

Monsignor Vásquez also had the joy of sharing this profoundly meaningful day with nearly all the Augustinian friars of the Vicariate of Saint John of Sahagún in Chulucanas, the Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Grace of Peru, and the Provincial Vicar of Apurímac, along with many others whose faces were familiar to and beloved by Father Wilder.

“There was a great turnout for the celebration, during which many were able to express the deep affection they have for him,” said Father Alexander Lam, General Assistant for Latin America, shortly after the ordination.

A Personal Greeting from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Monsignor Wilder

Father Lam was able to deliver a special message from Pope Leo XIV to Monsignor Wilder for this new mission entrusted to him by the Church.

“I saw Father Wilder joyful, surrounded by his loved ones, making jokes and sharing his good humor. People value his warmth greatly and hold him in high esteem, especially because he served for ten years as prior of the novitiate in Encantada,” Father Lam shared.

Presentation of the Episcopal Crosier

Just a few days later, Monsignor Wilder traveled to Chuquibambilla to meet with the various pastoral groups within the prelature, which encompasses the territories of Antabamba, Cotabambas, and Grau.

The formal assumption of the Prelature took place on Saturday, May 24th, during a Eucharistic celebration that included the ceremonial handing over of the crosier by the Archbishop of Cuzco to the new bishop of Chuquibambilla.

Accompanied by priests of the prelature, as well as the bishops of Chiclayo and Abancay, Monsignor Wilder received various gifts from the faithful, many of whom were dressed in traditional attire. In his homily, Father Vásquez expressed himself as being “deeply grateful and ready to serve all the People of God with great enthusiasm and to promote evangelization as we move foreward.”