The ceremony was honoured by the presence of the Provincial Superior of the British Province, Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, and the Formation Delegate of the British Jesuits, Fr Paul Nicholson SJ. Also present was the Parish Priest of Farm Street Church, Fr Dominic Robinson SJ.
During the ordination ceremony, Bishop John delivered an inspiring homily, speaking about the joys and responsibilities of the priesthood:
“As a priest and teacher in the Society, you will help people to understand the necessary relationship between faith and justice. You will explore the riches of the Church’s social teaching by empowering learners to see their context, judge in the light of the gospel, and act for justice, peace and the care of creation. We pray that your preaching of the Gospel may open the imagination of the mind, as well as the desires of the heart, to appreciate more deeply that the goods of creation are God’s gift given to all, the universal destination of goods, so that the kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit may reach to the ends of the earth.”
A memorable moment of the ceremony was when Carlos’s mother vested him with the chasuble and stole, symbols of his new role as a priest. The service was also made special by Carlos’s sister and young nephew, who each took part in the liturgy by reading the first and second readings, bringing a sense of family warmth to the service.
The highlight of the day was when Bishop John laid his hands on Carlos, invoking the Holy Spirit’s blessing and officially welcoming him into the priesthood. Before the end of the service, Carlos expressed his gratitude to everyone who made the celebration possible, including the Jesuits and partners from all communities and ministries who have formed him along the way.
After the ceremony, everyone gathered in the church to greet Father Carlos and receive his blessing. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, warm conversations, and heartfelt congratulations. The strong sense of community and shared joy was evident as everyone looked forward to the positive impact he would have in his new role.
On 7 July 2024, Father Carlos celebrated his first Mass as a priest at St. Ignatius Church in Stamford Hill, marking the beginning of his new ministry.
About Father Carlos Chuquihuara SJ
Carlos was born in Lima, Peru in 1987 and moved to England in 2006 to study Biomedical Science at the University of Sheffield. During that time, his faith was nourished by his experience and friendships formed in the University Chaplaincies. When he concluded his studies in 2011, Carlos chose to stay in Sheffield working and discerning his vocation. His period of discernment led him to a significant decision: he entered the Society of Jesus in Birmingham on 7 September 2012.
In 2014, Carlos took his first vows as a Jesuit and began a new chapter in his formation by pursuing a degree in Philosophy at Regis College in Toronto. His journey continued at the Jesuit High School in Galway, Educate Magis (Worldwide Network of Jesuit Schools), before working with the Young Adult Ministries (YAM) in London from 2019 to 2020. After those years, Carlos was sent to study theology at Centre Sevres in Paris, where he developed a special interest in Patristics and spiritual theology. As his three years in Paris came to an end, Carlos was ordained a deacon on 13 May 2023, alongside nine other Jesuits.
Over the last year, Carlos has lived in Madrid to study the Master’s in Ignatian spirituality offered at the Pontifical Comillas University in Spain. He will continue studying in Madrid for another academic year to obtain a Canonical Licentiate (STL) in Spiritual Theology.
