Nelson Antonio Martínez Rust (10 June 1944 – 3 May 2026) was a Venezuelan Roman Catholic prelate, who served as the second bishop of the Diocese of San Felipe from 1992 until 2016. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Valencia in Venezuela and titular bishop of Bararus from 1982 until 1992.
Most Reverend Nelson Antonio Martínez Rust | |
|---|---|
| Bishop Emeritus of San Felipe | |
| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Barquisimeto |
| Diocese | San Felipe |
| Installed | 29 February 1992 |
| Term ended | 11 March 2016 |
| Predecessor | Ovidio Pérez Morales |
| Successor | Victor Hugo Basabe |
| Previous posts | Auxiliary Bishop of Valencia and Titular Bishop of Bararus (1982–1992) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 15 December 1968 |
| Consecration | 25 March 1982 by Luis Eduardo Henríquez Jiménez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Nelson Antonio Martínez Rust 10 June 1944 Puerto Cabello, Carabobo, Venezuela |
| Died | 3 May 2026 (aged 81) Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela |
| Alma mater | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto | Veritas et vita |
Biography
editNelson Martínez Rust was born on 10 June 1944 in Puerto Cabello, in the state of Carabobo, Venezuela. He completed his priestly formation at the Interdiocesan Seminary of Caracas and continued his higher education in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University, where he specialized in Sacred Scripture.[1]
He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Valencia on 15 December 1968.[2] On 8 January 1982, Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Valencia and Titular Bishop of Bararus. He received his episcopal consecration on 25 March 1982[3] from Archbishop Luis Eduardo Henríquez Jiménez.[2]
On 29 February 1992, Martínez Rust was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of San Felipe. During his tenure, he was known for his focus on pastoral work and the academic formation of local seminarians.[1] After 24 years of service in San Felipe, Pope Francis accepted his resignation on 11 March 2016.[4]
Following his retirement, he resided in Valencia as Bishop Emeritus. He died there on 3 May 2026, at the age of 81.[5][6]
References
edit- 1 2 "Falleció Mons. Nelson Martínez Rust, obispo emérito de la Diócesis de San Felipe". Yaracuy al Día. 3 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- 1 2 Cheney, David M. "Bishop Nelson Antonio Martínez Rust". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ↑ "Monseñor Nelson Antonio Martínez Rust". Latinoamerical Conference of Bishops (CELAM). Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ↑ "Rinunce e nomine, 11.03.2016". Vatican Press Office. 11 March 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ↑ "Arquidiócesis de Valencia informa el fallecimiento de Monseñor Nelson Martínez Rust". Diario La Calle. 3 May 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ↑ "Despiden en capilla ardiente a Mons. Nelson Antonio Martínez Rust en la Catedral de Valencia". noticialdia.com. 5 May 2026. Retrieved 7 May 2026.
External links
edit- Bishop Nelson Antonio Martínez Rust at the Catholic Hierarchy