From Argentina to Canada: Meet Deacon Carlos Lozano & wife Christina

On a beautiful Tuesday morning, I sat at a picnic table by the shore of Lake Chaparral, southeast of Calgary, engaging in conversation with our Diocese's newest deacon from Argentina. My hosts on this warm gorgeous summer day were Deacon Carlos Lozano and his lovely wife, Christina Rieter. 

The warmth emanating from the two of them carried us through a two-hour heartfelt bilingual Spanish–English conversation centred on Christ, family, and service. As Deacon Carlos awaits his new mission in Holy Spirit Parish beginning August 1st, he speaks with delightful excitement about his ministry in Argentina and his hopes and dreams for the future.

In May 1996, Deacon Carlos and his fellow deacons chose these words of Jeremiah for their ordination in Buenos Aires, Argentina: “Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you a prophet to the nations.” (Jer 1:4-5). Long before that, in 1951, Deacon Carlos revealed that his mother, while he was still in her womb, had dedicated him to our Blessed Virgin Mary. With this profound offering and our Blessed Mother's intercession, Deacon Lozano serves the Lord not only in his marital and family life but also through his permanent diaconate ministry, which now extends beyond Argentina due to his his recent move to Calgary, Alberta. 

Deacon Carlos (3rd from right) served as a permanent deacon in Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Faith & Journey to Canada
​When asked about the source and centre of his faith, Deacon Carlos talks about his love for Christ and how that love radiates outwards into his life, his family, his Church community, his ministry and out into the world. He says, “It all begins and revolves around Christ being the centre of my life, with Mary walking right beside me.” His favourite Bible verse, “just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Mt 20:28), has guided his ministry through the years, and is the spiritual core of his calling.

Deacon Carlos and his wife moved to Calgary in April 2022 to be near their daughters, Celeste and Cecilia, and their families. Although it has been challenging leaving home and their parish back in Quilmes, they did not have to think twice when the opportunity to move to Canada arose. Now, Deacon Carlos and Christina find delight in spending time with their two grandchildren, Milagros and Franco, taking leisurely walks and showering them with love and affection.

It all begins and revolves around Christ being the centre of my life, with Mary walking right beside me” ~ Deacon Carlos Lozano

Deacon Carlos & family in Calgary

Deacon Carlos during his Ordination in 1996

Hopes for the future
​Ever since they moved to Calgary, they have been amazed by the kindness and affection they have received, and they hope to channel this goodness into dedicated service for God and His people. 

Deacon Carlos looks forward to his years in Calgary serving the Lord, beginning with his new assignment at Holy Spirit Parish in Calgary.  Both he and his wife are excited to build a strong community around them. ​They hope to reach out especially to the Spanish speaking population. To all the faithful in the Diocese of Calgary, Deacon Carlos would like to express his gratitude, saying, “Thank you for the warm welcome and pray for me.”

---

Written by Cecilia DMello for Faithfully. Cecilia lives in Calgary with her husband Neil and her two-year old daughter Azaelea. She attends St. Joseph's Parish in Calgary and is passionate about bringing young families to/back to Christ. She enjoys reading, painting, crocheting and hiking. Photos courtesy of Deacon Carlos Lozano.