Paraguay: Church expresses sorrow for the passing of Monsignor Cándido Cárdenas and highlights his pastoral legacy

The Paraguayan Episcopal Conference lamented this August 18 the passing of Monsignor Cándido Cárdenas, emeritus bishop of Benjamín Aceval, and expressed their condolences to the diocesan community and his family.

Through a letter addressed to Monsignor Amancio Benítez, bishop of Benjamín Aceval, the bishops highlighted the generous dedication of Monsignor Cárdenas to the service of the Church and the communities he accompanied during his pastoral journey. “His testimony of faith and his priestly and episcopal dedication will remain as a valuable legacy for the entire ecclesial community,” they affirmed.

Additionally, the bishops raised their prayers to the Lord and trusted in His mercy to receive him in the eternal dwelling. The letter evokes the words of Jesus: “Well done, good and faithful servant […] enter into the joy of your Lord,” as an expression of Christian hope in the face of death.

To the expressions of sorrow from the bishops was added the Cardinal Adalberto Martínez Flores, Archbishop of Asunción, who sent his condolences to Monsignor Amancio Benítez, to the clergy, religious, faithful of Benjamín Aceva and relatives of Monsignor Cárdenas. The cardinal expressed his “deepest condolences” upon his return to the House of the Father.

The cardinal remembered the meaning of the episcopal motto of Monsignor Cárdenas, “To Sow and to Water”, inspired by the teaching of Saint Paul: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” In his view, these words reflect a pastoral life dedicated to sowing the Word and cultivating faith in numerous communities.

“He was a sower of the Word and a servant who, with patience and hope, watered the seed of faith in the hearts of so many people and communities,” observed the cardinal.

Finally, Cardinal Martínez Flores asked the Lord to welcome his faithful servant into His Kingdom and grant him eternal rest, while invoking the support of the Virgin Mary for his relatives and the diocesan community.

Paraguay-Condolences Mons Amancio Dioc Benjamín Aceval.pdf

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