Fr. Amelio Chi, a Diocesan Priest, celebrated his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination on Monday, June 17 with a special Mass at Our Lady of the Way Church in Ladyville. Concelebrants were Fr. Noel Leslie, Fr. Gilbert Nortilus, Fr. Alvaro Salazar and Fr. Dominique Wellington. Family members, seminarians and parishioners were in attendance for this special occasion. Fr. Chi also celebrated Mass in his home village of San Luis on Sunday, June 16. Fr. Pedro Lima, Fr. Isias Garcia and Fr. Gilbert Nortilus concelebrated. A small reception was held after at the family’s residence.
Fr. Chi completed his studies in philosophy at St. Louis University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1990. He continued to pursue his studies for the priesthood at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis where he finished his theological studies and graduated from the school of theology with a Masters Degree in Divinity in 1994. He was ordained transitional deacon in December 1993. Fr. Chi was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop O.P. Martin on June 17, 1994 at Holy Redeemer Cathedral in Belize City. He is the son of Bartolo Chi and the late Basilia Can de Chi from San Luis Village in the Orange Walk District. He is the second of 15 children. His first assignment was associate pastor of Holy Redeemer Cathedral in August 1994. Congratulations, Fr. Chi, on your 25th anniversary of priestly ordination.