Monsignor Amancio Escapa ocd completes his earthly life

On the 5^th of May this year, there died in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, Monsignor Amancio Escapa Aparicio, titular Bishop of Cene and the emeritus auxiliary Bishop of the archdiocese of Santo Domingo.

Monsignor Amancio was born in Cistierna, León, Spain on the 30^th March 1938 and made his profession as a Discalced Carmelite in Segovia, in the old Province of Castile, on the 2^nd of August 1954, together with his twin brother José Marie, who died some years ago. They took as their religious names Amancio de María and Amando de Jesús, respectively.

Monsignor Amancio was ordained priest on 22^nd of April, 1962, and on the 31^st of May 1996, he was appointed the titular Bishop of Cene and the Auxiliary to the Archbishop of Santo Domingo as well as the Vicar General of the Archdiocese. His ordination as bishop took place on the 6^th of July 1996.

He never dissociated himself from the Order despite his episcopal appointment and, with the agreement of the Superiors, made the community of St Jude Thaddeus in the capital his place of residence.

He ordained many Carmelite friars of the Commissariat of the Caribbean as deacons and priests and on his visits to Spain took active part in the solemn celebrations in our churches, such as the solemnity of Our Lady of Mt Carmel and other feast days.

From 1965 he had been living in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) in the community of the St Jude Thaddeus College, where he was many times the Superior and Pastor. He also took on many pastoral duties in the Archdiocese and eventually was appointed Vicar General on the 17^th December 1982. Of note was his assistance as a counselor during the years of the “Cursillos of Christianity”.

He died at 79 years of age as the result of grave lung cancer.

Masses for his eternal repose were celebrated in the cathedral, the seat of the “Cursillos of Christianity movement and in the Discalced Carmelite parish of St Jude Thaddeus. He was buried beside his brother in the “Gate of Heaven” cemetery of the Domenican capital.

May he rest in peace and let us give thanks to God for the intense and fruitful ministry of Monsignor Amancio.