On the occasion of his 88th birthday, Cardinal Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez remains for all of us at Akerunoticias a luminous figure, a pillar of humility, wisdom, and integrity. Today, we celebrate with gratitude and admiration the anniversary of one of the most remarkable men the Dominican Republic has known: His Eminence, Reverend Monsignor Nicolás de Jesús, a man whose life has been a testament to service, humility, and deep faith.
Born in the small town of Barranca, in La Vega, few could have imagined that this young man would become the pillar he is today. His journey began at age 25, when he was ordained a priest and began forging his bond with the people, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to pastoral work in La Vega. Seventeen years later, his dedication was recognized as he was appointed the first Bishop of the Diocese of San Francisco de Macorís, in 1978. His spiritual and pastoral journey led him three years later to Santo Domingo, where he took on the role of Metropolitan Archbishop, a position he fulfilled with complete devotion.
The story of Monsignor López Rodríguez is not just one of a priest but a bridge between the Church and society, between the heart and the word. In 1991, he was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope John Paul II, who also entrusted him with significant missions throughout the continent. He was appointed to preside as special envoy of the Pope at various assemblies and congresses in Ecuador, Uruguay, Honduras, and Peru, among others. In each of these events, Cardinal López Rodríguez carried with him the essence of his commitment to the Gospel, always guided by the light of his motto, «Fortes in Fide»—»Strong in Faith»—a phrase that has been the compass of his life.
His Eminence is also a natural communicator, a pioneer in using the media for pastoral service. As the founder of Televida, the first national Catholic channel, he brought a message of peace and faith to Dominican homes through his Sunday program, Faith and Happenings, in addition to writing for many years in his homonymous column in Listín Diario. Through Televida, he opened spaces for dialogue in communication fairs, where all Catholic media in the country were present, from Camino and Periódico Encuentro to the stations of the Union of Catholic Broadcasters (UDECA), fulfilling his vocation of closeness and unity between the Church and the community.
In the social arena, his presence has been profound. He supported civil society organizations in the neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, advocating for peace and peaceful coexistence. In his role as mediator, Cardinal López Rodríguez exercised powerful influence, using his moral authority to ensure that dialogue triumphed over violence.
Monsignor López Rodríguez has been honored both nationally and internationally. Santo Domingo recognized him as «Meritorious Son» and awarded him the golden Heraldic Shield; he was decorated with the Grand Cross of Isabel the Catholic, and received six honorary doctorates from different universities for his contributions to faith and humanity. However, what most distinguishes him is his willingness to serve, his dedication to truth, and his unwavering commitment to justice and human dignity.
As he reaches eighty-eight years of age, we thank God for the life of this great pastor, who remains among us as a living testimony of devotion and spiritual strength. His life, rich in deeds and faith, inspires us to be better and to remain, like him, «Strong in Faith.»
Akerunoticias 