Fr. Fernando Peraza Leal, SDB (1927-2013)

Between 2001 and 2007 I made four trips to the Salesian's Regional Center for Ongoing Formation in Quito, Ecuador.  The first time was to attend a course for deacons preparing for priestly ordination, and in the other three I completed the three levels of Salesian studies.  In these courses we studied the life and work of St. John Bosco, so we could go back to our apostolates and share the spirit of our founder with our professed Salesians and lay collaborators.  In the Salesianity classes we were a mixed group of lay men, women and SDB's, as well as women religious from various branches of the Salesian Family.  I met many wonderful people who love Christ, and follow Him in the Spirit of Don Bosco.  The heart of the program was Fr. Fernando Peraza Leal.  To all who knew him and were touched by his life, he was simply "Abuelo."  Well, our spiritual Grandfather passed this Sunday.  He was a walking, talking library of the life of Don Bosco.  But he never taught in a dry, academic way.  He made you feel like you were there with Don Bosco and the boys in the Oratory.  

Here is the story from the Salesian News Service about this increadable Son of Don Bosco, who we pray is already enjoying his much earned rest in the Salesian Garden.

(ANS – Quito) – Fr. Fernando Peraza Leal, scholar, expert in and passionate follower of Don Bosco, passed away in the early hours of Sunday, February 10, in Quito. His writings and his presence were a strong support to the Regional Ongoing Formation Center.

Fr. Marcelo Farfan, provincial of Ecuador, informed the Rector Major by letter of the death of Fr. Peraza and how much he had meant to the Interamerica Region: “As you well know, for many Salesians, Salesian Sisters, Salesian Family Group members, young people, lay people, and especially the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Fr. Fernando was a spiritual father, a secure guide, and a Salesian point of reference. In a very special way he was a Salesian who understood and loved Don Bosco deeply, and he had the insight to transform this love into an offer of formation for Salesians in the Americas by founding and leading the Regional Center for Ongoing Formation at Quito.”

In response to this communication, the Rector Major wrote from Guadalajara, Mexico, where he is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the erection of the province: “On Sunday I was awoken with an ‘Easter’ message regarding the death and resurrection of our beloved Fr. Fernando Peraza. The Lord – to whom Fr. Fernando had devoted his entire life and whom he served joyfully, enthusiastically, and with the dedication and conviction that stood out in him – today lets him take part in the glory of his resurrection. Today is a glorious day for the Congregation, which offers the Father, in the Son, and through the work of the Holy Spirit, an acceptable and mature offering, one made of Salesian holiness. It is true that the Congregation also feels sad of heart because Fr. Fernando has left us and for what his loss means in human terms, especially at the Regional Formation Center which he founded; but at the same time he has left us a most valuable legacy: the testimony of his complete life, totally dedicated and with immense generosity and not a little sacrifice, to studying Don Bosco, with a scholar’s mind and a son’s heart, so he could make him known and loved.”

Fr. Peraza was born October 21, 1927, at Tunja (Boyacá) Colombia. He made his novitiate, first vows, and perpetual vows at Usaquen, Colombia, between 1946 and 1949. He was ordained on December 7, 1954, in Rome. After serving since 1968 as provincial of Bogotá, on September 23, 1974, he was transferred to the province of Ecuador. Between 1985 and 1997 he was put in charge of ongoing formation for the Pacific-Caribbean Region, and from 1997 to 2002 led the Regional Center for Ongoing Formation. On June 23, 2010 Don Bosco University in San Salvador gave him an honorary doctorate in letters.

His remains are currently being kept at the Regional Ongoing Formation Center. The funeral Mass was celebrated on February 11 at the Church of Mary Help of Christians in El Giron, Quito. By his express request his remains will be cremated and buried in Agua de Dios, Colombia, where they will be placed beside those of Blessed Louis Variara and Fr. José Marmol. Regarding this the Rector Major added: “In a special way, his passion for the Institute of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary led him to give his service in such a way that he ensured the Institute’s fidelity to its charism and mission. This is why it seems right and meaningful to me that he has chosen to be buried at Agua de Dios.”

The Rector Major then concluded: “From Mexico I join in this hymn of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for the wonderful gift of Fr. Fernando Peraza, asking the Lord to continue to give us Salesians of such stature. To you, dear Fr. Marcelo, and everyone in the province in Ecuador to which he belonged, and his original province of Colombia-Bogotá, my heartfelt condolences and communion in prayer.”