The diocese of San Cristóbal is experiencing with consternation the discovery of the lifeless body of Fr. José Manuel Rondón Molina, who went missing since last Thursday, January 16, reported Fides News Agency. “With pain and sadness I must communicate that Fr. Manuel Rondón’s lifeless body was found, let us pray for him”, said Msgr. Mario Moronta, Bishop of the Diocese of San Cristobal (Venezuela) where the tragic events happened.

The presbyter, 47 years old and priest for 14, was currently residing near the convent of the Discalced Carmelite nuns in Rubio, in the municipality of Junín. He was the spiritual director of the cloistered nuns, where he celebrated the Eucharist every day, but since last Thursday neither the religious nor his relatives had any news, so the Bishop had informed the police authorities. His body was found in a wooded area of Rubio.

The note sent to Fides by the diocese of San Cristobal, states: “The Church of Táchira rejects this terrible and similar events that happen every day in the region. In turn, the church implores God’s mercy for the people involved and for the comfort of the family and for Father Manuel Rondón’s friends. The priest’s lifeless body was found in a state of decomposition”. The diocese of San Cristóbal will promptly inform where the funeral will take place and asks the faithful to accompany the priest’s eternal rest with prayer, concludes the note.

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