More than 30 years ago, when I was just a student, a professor told me something that I never forgot: «I've never forgotten.«I know a bishop who looks like a super agent.«. When I met him personally shortly after graduating, I understood that this was not an exaggeration. Don Antonio Arregui possessed that rare and admirable blend of mystical depth and astonishing practical efficiency. I always thought of him as Agent 007.
His commitment was not improvised; it had deep roots. He asked for admission to the Opus Dei in 1957 and, after his ordination to the priesthood in 1964, he arrived in Ecuador in 1965, never to leave again. It was here that his vocation of service was forged in moments of surprising spiritual density. He spent 62 years serving the country.
In 1974, he experienced the paradox of faith when he received St. Josemaría in Ecuador: the immense joy of the encounter in the face of the weight of the pain caused by the Founder's health. Those were days in which the joy of having our Father was mixed with constant vigil, because the altitude sickness struck hard on his already tired body. It was a great teaching of how to serve in fragility.
We saw that same fidelity when he succeeded Bishop Juan Larrea as Vicar of Opus Dei in Ecuador, and later following in his footsteps as Bishop of Ibarra and Archbishop of Guayaquil. In spite of the difficulties -which were never lacking- he never lost his smile nor did he stop extending his hand to offer a detail, a word or a consolation to whoever needed it.
He followed in the footsteps of Bishop Juan Larrea Holguín.
Don Antonio was a builder in the broadest sense of the word. Thanks to his vision and his close relationship with the German Church and several international foundations, he managed the necessary resources to build numerous churches and finance emblematic projects such as the improvement of the Guayaquil Cathedral. But his legacy went far beyond stone: he gave a strong impetus to the management of the Diakonia Food Bank, the network of Redima health clinics and strengthened the educational network of Catholic schools, convinced that charity, health and education are the pillars on which human dignity is based.
He was, without a doubt, the great champion of the pro-life cause in our country. With a subtle intelligence and tireless perseverance, he dedicated himself to form leaders and defend the truth about marriage and the family. To his prudence and good arts we owe, to a great extent, that our Constitution maintains a pro-life essence. I remember how he insisted that I dedicate my time to get something done in this area, which, thank God, was achieved. consolidated some projects.
In the face of difficulties, he never gave in to discouragement; he continued to work in silence, with the peace of one who knows that he is doing God's will, to reverse the throwaway culture.
An impeccable man who cannot be implicated in any scandal.
Beyond his great management achievements, I prefer to remember him as the gentleman he was. I have witnessed his pastoral dedication in recent years. He attended to the scheduled activities with great care, and we rarely had to replace him.
I cherish with special affection the memory of his sharpness and his fine sense of humor, reflected in those witty and affectionate letters that he personally wrote to celebrate the birthday celebrations. In those small details we could see the man who knew how to love concretely.
I thank God for his life and because Bishop Antonio Arregui was a living reflection of the promise of the prophet Jeremiah in Jer 3:15: “Then I will give them shepherds after my own heart, who will guide them with knowledge and understanding”.
Thank you for so much, Don Antonio! Rest in the peace of the Lord and intercede for us, Agent 007.
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