By Diego López Colín
Puebla, Mexico, Apr 9, 2025 / 06:00 am
Meet Mexican Bishop José de Jesús Sahagún de la Parra, a remarkable 103-year-old living witness to the history of the Catholic Church. He holds the title of the world’s oldest bishop, still actively celebrating the Eucharist, and is among the four surviving bishops who took part in the Second Vatican Council.
His journey began in Cotija, a modest town in Michoacán, where he was born in 1922. Ordained as a priest on May 26, 1946, he later became the first bishop of the Diocese of Tula, appointed by Pope John XXIII. After serving there for 24 years, Pope John Paul II entrusted him with the role of the first bishop of the Diocese of Lázaro Cárdenas in 1985.
Known for his dedication and service, Sahagún de la Parra returned to his roots in Michoacán, overseeing the community until his retirement in 1993. Since then, he has lived a peaceful life in a home for nuns in Michoacán.
The Legacy of a ‘Great Builder’
Archbishop José Antonio Fernández Hurtado of Tlalnepantla fondly remembers Sahagún de la Parra as a “great builder.” The bishop’s impact was felt when he arrived in Tula on Feb. 27, 1961.
The Legacy of Bishop José Esaul Robles Jiménez
When the newly established diocese was in its early stages, there was a lack of evangelization and native vocations, as noted by Hurtado. However, Bishop José Esaul Robles Jiménez’s vision and efforts transformed the region. He was responsible for the construction of the “El Huerto” major seminary, which began holding classes in 1964. This center also welcomed students from the historic Montezuma Seminary in New Mexico when it closed its doors in 1972.
Aside from his educational work, Sahagún de la Parra dedicated himself to various social projects that he funded personally, showcasing his deep commitment to social justice. In the Mezquital Valley region, where people lived in humble huts, he promoted the construction of small houses to provide them with decent living conditions. He also encouraged seminarians to get involved in these projects, fostering a spirit of service and community.
On Oct. 11, 1985, St. John Paul II erected the Diocese of Lázaro Cárdenas, and due to Sahagún de la Parra’s extensive experience in Hidalgo, he was chosen as the bishop for this new jurisdiction. The diocese was formed from part of the Archdiocese of Morelia and the Diocese of Apatzingán.
Building Relationships and Communities
Hurtado fondly remembered Bishop José Esaul Robles Jiménez as not only a builder of structures but also a builder of more humane communities with decent living conditions. He described the bishop as kind, generous, and practical, with a great respect for Indigenous people and a deep concern for human dignity.
As a pastoral leader, Sahagún de la Parra showed closeness and trust to his priests, emphasizing the importance of personal formation. His legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of justice for all.
