A New Basilian Ministry in Bogotá, Colombia Reanimates Parish Community

Ilya Kovalevskiy • March 6, 2023

The parish community of Our Lady of Egypt (Nuestra Señora de Egipto) celebrated as the Archdiocese of Bogotá entrusted the parish to the Basilian Fathers. Father Pedro Miguel Mora Medina, CSB was installed as pastor of the new Basilian parish in Bogotá, Colombia by Monsignor Darío Álvarez Botero, episcopal vicar of the archdiocesan region, on Sunday, March 4, 2023.

Monsignor Darío Álvarez Botero of the Archdiocese of Bogotá installs Father Pedro Miguel Mora Medina, CSB as pastor of Our Lady of Egypt parish.

This recent appointment marks the beginning of a new era for parish life. The church is named for the story found in the Gospel of Matthew when Mary, Joseph and Jesus were forced to flee to Egypt to escape persecution by King Herod, and it gives its name to the surrounding residential neighborhood of “Egipto.”

The church dates back to the 17th century and derives its name from the story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus fleeing Egypt to escape persecution by King Herod.

The church dates back to the 17th century, but in recent years has suffered neglect due to a shortage of available priests. The Archdiocese had been unable to assign anyone for full time ministry and was usually closed during the week and opened only for Mass on Sundays. Our Lady of Egypt is across the street from Casa Annonay, the Basilian residence that houses the novitiate and scholasticate. Basilian residents have been serving in the parish on a part time basis.

The installation of Father Pedro Miguel Mora Medina, CSB as pastor of Our Lady of Egypt marks a beginning of a new Basilian ministry.

Father Mora Medina will be joined by Father Juan Carlos Rojas Ramos, CSB who will serve assistant pastor. These appointments were ratified by Archbishop Luis José Rueda Aparicio of Bogotá on February 15, 2023. Basilian scholastics have been involved in catechetics and will continue to have the opportunity to minister within the parish. Since being entrusted to the Basilians, attendance at mass and participation in parish activities have increased greatly.

Parishioners welcome their new pastor.

 

Parishioners of Our Lady of Egypt welcome Father Pedro Mora Medina.

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Ilya Kovalevskiy

Communications coordinator

Ilya Kovalevskiy is the Communications Coordinator for the Basilians, managing digital strategy, content development, and public outreach. He crafts compelling narratives that highlight the Basilians’ mission in education, ministry, and service.