The recent passing of Don Ignacio Belzunce, an exemplary priest loved by so many, plunges us into profound pain and reflection. At times like this, the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane take on a special meaning: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). These words of total surrender to the divine will remind us of an essential truth: God knows more than we do, and His love for each person surpasses anything we can imagine.
Don Ignacio dedicated his life as a priest of Opus Dei to the service of Christ and others, reflecting God’s love and mercy in every gesture. One of the many examples of his profound spiritual life can be found in a recent anecdote. This past September, on his first day as a priest at Orvalle School, he told me with great simplicity and joy that he had spent the entire summer praying for the families at the school. Even before personally meeting those he was to serve, he reflected on his total commitment to God and his love for others.
His departure leaves an immense void, and an invitation to renew our trust in God’s plans. God, who loves Don Ignacio more than we could ever do, asks us to trust that His plan, although often incomprehensible, always has a purpose of love.
In our faith, we find comfort in thanking God for Don Ignacio’s years of selfless service, recognizing that his life was a gift to all who knew him. As believers, we are called to repeat with humility and hope: “Not as we will, but as thine.”
In these moments of trial, prayer becomes a refuge and strength. St. Josemaría Escrivá left us a prayer that can guide our hearts: “May the most just and most loving will of God be done, fulfilled, praised and eternally exalted above all things. Amen. Amen.” These words teach us to accept with serenity what God allows in our lives, fully trusting that His will is always for our good.
The Christian faith reminds us that our existence is not limited to this earthly life. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28). With this certainty, we can look beyond the pain and discover that, in the mystery of the cross, God prepares us for eternal life.
It is natural that, faced with the loss of Don Ignacio, we ask ourselves: Why? How can God allow this, especially when the world needs priests so much? However, these questions invite us to reflect and trust. God, in His infinite wisdom, sees what we cannot see and always acts with a love that transcends our understanding. He invites us to follow the example of the saints: to live with greater dedication, love and trust, knowing that He takes care of us at all times.
Let us entrust the soul of Don Ignacio to the infinite mercy of God, certain that he has been received in the loving arms of the Father. And let us ask for the grace to accept with faith and hope the divine will in our lives, convinced that the Lord, who loves us more than anyone, always leads us towards the supreme good.
Don Carlos Medarde Artime – Chaplain of the Orvalle school
