Pope Francis this morning in Rome (18 October) has appointed Fr. David Israel de la Torre Altamirano sscc. as the new auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Quito (Ecuador). The Superior General of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, Fr. Alberto Toutin sscc, on a canonical visit in the Province of the Philippines-Japan, had previously been informed of the good news by Monsignor Andrés Carrascosa Coso, the Apostolic Nuncio in Ecuador. On behalf of the Congregation, he expressed his delight at the decision of the Holy Father. Father David will join Monsignor Alfredo José Espinoza Mateus, Metropolitan Archbishop of Quito and Primate of Ecuador, and Mons. Danilo Echeverría Verdesoto, auxiliary bishop, in sharing responsibility for the diocese.
The new auxiliary bishop will be ordained on 7 December at 10 am in the Basilica of La Dolorosa in Quito. The Metropolitan Archbishop will be presiding celebrant. Fr David’s episcopal motto is inspired by the Letter to the Hebrews 12.2: "Fix your eyes on Jesus."
Statement of the auxiliary bishop elect to the Congregation
Our brother David de la Torre has been kind enough to share with the brothers and sisters of the Congregation his thoughts at this time:
“I am aware of my fragility and weakness, but as a child of the Sacred Hearts in whose service I promised to live and die on the day of my religious profession, I know that nothing in the Church can be sustained if it is not in the strength of the Cross, the strength of the Love of God that is Jesus. That is the first and most decisive thing, not me, but Him. It is that certainty that has made me accept this appointment without fear and without pride, hopefully without vanity.”
David also asks the Congregation: “Do not forget this brother of yours whom God, in his madness, has called to serve the church and the world in these present circumstances; do not forget that we will always be brothers and that being a child of the Sacred Hearts is the spiritual treasure that will feed my episcopal ministry. ”
Brief biography of the new bishop sscc
Father David Israel De La Torre Altamirano sscc was born in Quito (Ecuador) on 8 November 8, 1972. He was professed in 1995 as a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts and his priestly ordination took place in 2001, both events taking place in his hometown.
In London Fr. David undertook advanced studies in English (1999-2000) while pastorally accompanying Ecuadorian migrants from South London, in the Diocese of Southwark.
During 2000-2002 he obtained a Masters in Theology with a specialization in Dogmatic and Fundamental Theology. at the “Catholic University” in Paris. In 2003, at the same University, he obtained his Diploma of Doctoral Studies in Christology.
In the Congregation Fr David has performed different services in the areas of ??initial formation, in the service of the authority as vice-provincial of the Congregation in Ecuador and in parish ministry. He was spokesperson for the Pope's visit to Ecuador and is currently Director of the Archdiocesan Theological-Pastoral Center of Quito (CTPA).
10/18/2019