A Joyous Update from Bishop Ortiz

Dear Friends and Colleagues in Christ,

Let me start at the beginning and introduce you to Juan, aka “Papo”, and the girls, Andrea (15) and Amelia-Annette (12).

Papo and I went to the same Pentecostal Church in the Bronx, NY. We met when we were eleven and twelve years old. Unbeknownst to me, soon after my arrival to the church, he decided we would be an item And it was so. We became “amiguitos” (committed puppy love) until my parents and I moved to Puerto Rico when I was thirteen years old.

As a boy he was mischievous, witty and kind; quick with the Bronx comebacks and incredibly generous and tender. He made me laugh and celebrated my quirks. He was… the best. So when he reappeared after over 30 years, I did not resist getting to know him again.

Just as he did when we were kids, soon after we reconnected he was convinced we would be an item. Three days into our long distance conversations (NY and MD) he declared, “We’re gonna be together forever this time.”

I’m happy to announced that “forever” is around the corner!

My sabbatical began with Juan’s marriage proposal and I cannot wait for “this time” to begin! As such we will be married November 12th, 2022 and become an instant family with Andrea and Amelia-Annette. The girls have welcomed me into their lives and I can’t be more honored and blessed by their presence in mine.

I am elated! I am happy. I’m profoundly grateful for God’s timing and abundant grace upon all our lives and look forward to the holy adventure ahead.

I pray this fall and holiday season is full of life giving surprises for you and your families as well.

Overjoyed!

 

Rev. Leila M. Ortiz, Bishop