IBYCUI, PARAGUAY – The Paraguayan Episcopal Conference (CEP) undertook a pilgrimage to the city of Ibycuí, Paraguarí Department, on Friday, July 4, in an atmosphere of faith and hope. This pilgrimage commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the "eternal birth" of the Servant of God, Father Julio César Duarte Ortellado, demonstrating the Church's deep desire to advance his beatification cause.

Episcopal Conference Organizes Event as Part of Jubilee Year 

The event, organized by the Paraguayan Episcopal Conference (CEP), was held as part of the Church's Jubilee Year. Clergy and religious from the Diocese of Carapeguá also participated, adding significant meaning due to Father Duarte's deep connection with the Carapeguá Diocese during his lifetime.

Father Julio César Duarte Ortellado was born in Carapeguá on January 3, 1913, and was ordained a priest on December 19, 1937. Throughout his pastoral ministry, he was known for his dedicated life, especially his commitment to the poor and marginalized, and his fervent preaching of the Gospel message. His life can be summarized by humility, love, and tireless service, serving as a spiritual inspiration to many.

Commemorative Events Centered at Saint Joseph Parish 

The main events of the day took place at Saint Joseph Parish (Parroquia San José) in Ibycuí. The official schedule began at 8:00 AM with the welcoming of the bishops at the entrance to Ibycuí, followed by a pilgrimage (peregrinación) with the bishops and attendees starting at 8:15 AM. This pilgrimage was a meaningful time to meditate on Father Duarte's life and spirituality, following in his footsteps.

At 9:30 AM, a Eucharistic celebration (celebración eucarística) was held in the courtyard in front of Saint Joseph Parish. The Mass was presided over by Monsignor Pierre-Laurent Jubinville, President of the Paraguayan Episcopal Conference, and concelebrated by all the bishops from across the nation. Prior to the Mass, at 9:00 AM, allegorical performances (cuadros alegóricos) depicting Father Duarte's heroic life captivated attendees. These performances artistically portrayed Father Duarte's life from childhood to his priesthood and his spirit of martyrdom, contributing to the remembrance of his spiritual legacy.

Report on Beatification Cause Progress and Completion of Diocesan Inquiry

Following the events, a comprehensive report was given on the overall progress of Father Duarte's beatification cause (causa de beatificación). It was particularly emphasized that on June 28, the closing session of the Diocesan Instructory Procedure (Procedimiento Instructorio Diocesano) for the canonization inquiry of the Servant of God Julio César Duarte Ortellado was held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Carapeguá.

The closing session of the Diocesan Instructory Procedure is a solemn and formal step that officially concludes the diocesan phase of the canonization inquiry. In this phase, evidence regarding the candidate's life, virtues, and miracles is collected and verified. All materials collected during this process are sent to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints (Congregation for the Causes of Saints) in the Vatican, where the next stage, the Roman phase, begins. This marks a significant milestone in Father Duarte's beatification process, raising expectations for his beatification.

Father Julio César Duarte Ortellado passed away at the young age of 30 on July 4, 1943. His death brought great sorrow to many, but his life continues to inspire the Catholic Church in Paraguay. If his beatification is ultimately approved, he will be one of the few Paraguayan-born saints, which would be a great honor for the Paraguayan Church. The Church hopes that Father Duarte's life will serve as an example of God's love and service to all who live in modern society.