WILLEMSTAD – The Diocese of Willemstad has announced leadership changes in five parishes across Curaçao in response to a shortage of permanent parish priests. The newly appointed administrators are expected to ensure the continuity of pastoral work on the island. The restructuring took effect on April 8, 2025.
The decision follows recent developments within the diocese. Father Carlos Donado was arrested on February 17, 2025, on suspicion of money laundering and has been in pretrial detention since then. Additionally, Father José Guillermo Ortega Fernández has been temporarily suspended from his duties pending an internal church investigation. These events have led to a shortage of active clergy, prompting the diocese to implement temporary appointments to sustain pastoral care.
New Parish Administrators Appointed
Monsignor Gregorio Redoblado, currently the parish priest of Santa Rosa, has been appointed administrator of the San Dominico Parish in Montaña. He will lead the parish in collaboration with a pastoral team.
In Brievengat, Deacon Marcelino de Lannoy has been temporarily assigned as administrator of La Birgen de Lourdes Parish, as Father Juan Carlos is currently unable to fulfill his duties due to health issues.
Father Ronald Kiban, currently serving at the Cathedral in Pietermaai, has been appointed administrator of La Birgen di Altagrasia Parish in Steenrijk. He will also work closely with a parish council and pastoral team.
In Westpunt, Father Raul Fernandez, already the parish priest in Soto, will now also serve as administrator of the San Pedro Parish.
Father Curtis Meris, who leads the parish in Santa Maria, will take on additional responsibility as administrator of the San Martin de Porres Parish in Seru Fortuna.
The Diocese emphasized that these temporary measures are necessary to ensure that the parishes continue to function in accordance with canon law. The appointments are aimed at safeguarding the spiritual and social mission of the Church during this period of transition.