WILLEMSTAD — With the retirement of Bishop Luis Antonio Secco, a new era begins for the Diocese of Willemstad, which serves the Roman Catholic Church across six Caribbean islands. A special mass will be held today, Sunday, May 4, in Aruba to honor Secco’s more than two decades of dedicated service. The celebration is set to begin at 6 p.m. at the Pro-Cathedral San Francisco in Oranjestad. 

Bishop Secco was appointed on October 11, 2001, becoming the third bishop of the Diocese of Willemstad since its establishment in 1958. The diocese encompasses Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten, and forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Port of Spain, which also includes Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, and Suriname. 

The Vatican has appointed Archbishop Jason Gordon of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain as Apostolic Administrator. In this temporary role, Archbishop Gordon will oversee the pastoral leadership of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed. His assignment places the spiritual care of the six islands under his guidance for the time being. 

The transition marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church in the Dutch Caribbean. Bishop Secco has been praised for his spiritual leadership and unwavering commitment to the community. His departure is met with both heartfelt gratitude and blessings for his future. 

As the Diocese of Willemstad enters a period of transition, the faithful reflect on the bishop’s legacy while embracing the road ahead with hope and trust in new leadership.