Bishop of Carapeguá
Celestino Ocampo Gaona was born on May 19, 1961, in Curuzú Cuatiá, in the Department of Ñeembucú. He pursued his philosophical studies at the San José National Major Seminary in Lambaré, Asunción, and his theological studies at the Catholic University of Asunción. He was ordained a priest on April 24, 1993, and incardinated into the Diocese of San Juan Bautista de las Misiones. He completed his studies for a Licentiate in Moral Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome from 1996 to 1999. Following his ordination, he served as Parochial Vicar of the Immaculate Conception Parish (1993–1994), Rector of the diocesan Minor Seminary and Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral (1994–1996), Spiritual Director at the San José National Major Seminary in Lambaré (1999–2002), Rector of the same seminary (2002–2007), and Spiritual Director once again (2007–2010). He also served as Parish Administrator for various parishes (2010–2012) and as Pastor of San Miguel Arcángel (2012–2014). Since 2014, he has served as Pastor of the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista de las Misiones, Episcopal Vicar for Economic Affairs, and—at the national level—Director of Ongoing Clergy Formation for the Episcopal Conference of Paraguay.