Strengthening Priestly Formation in Venezuela

A Year Back in the Fields

Padre José was born in 1986 in Acarigua, in the state of Portuguesa. He grew up with four siblings in San Miguel de Sarare. His father worked in agriculture, and his mother was a preschool teacher. Even as a child, José helped with fieldwork and took care of the animals.

At the age of 18, he completed his secondary school diploma with a focus on the natural sciences. He then received a place to study tourism and hotel management. After one semester, José gave up his studies. By that time, the question of the priesthood had long since reached him. In 2004 and 2005, he took time to discern this call. He was accompanied by a parish priest whose priestly example deeply impressed him.

In 2005, José entered the Divina Pastora Seminary of the Archdiocese of Barquisimeto. He lived and studied there for seven years. He placed his path under the protection of the Mother of God, who is venerated in Venezuela under the title of Divina Pastora.

After completing his studies in 2012, José did not immediately proceed to ordination. He returned to agricultural work for a year. The physical labor gave him space for prayer and for testing his vocation once again. Later, he worked at a construction site while also helping out in his home parish.

From Seminarian to Formator

In March 2014, José asked the archbishop for permission to continue on his path toward diaconal ordination. The bishop initially asked him to be patient. For four months, José was to accompany the first group of the introductory year at the Divina Pastora Minor Seminary.

This marked the beginning of his work in priestly formation even before his own ordination. On July 5, 2014, José was ordained a deacon. On November 8 of the same year, he received priestly ordination. He then remained at the seminary until July 2019, helping to form priestly candidates.

Since 2014, Padre José has also taught philosophy at the Divina Pastora ecclesiastical institute. Through collaboration with the Universidad Católica Santa Rosa in Caracas, he was able to complete a licentiate in philosophy and theology there.

In 2019, he was sent to the parish of Cristo Redentor in the north of Barquisimeto. At first, he substituted for the ailing parish priest. A few weeks later, the bishop entrusted him with responsibility for the parish.

Studies for Future Priests

The Archdiocese of Barquisimeto wants to make it possible for seminarians to earn a pontifical academic degree in the future. To do so, the ecclesiastical institute needs lecturers with the appropriate academic training. The archbishop therefore sent Padre José to the Pontifical University of Santa Croce in Rome, where he is deepening his studies in philosophy.

After completing his studies, he is to return to Venezuela. In Barquisimeto, he will pass on what he has learned to future priests. In doing so, he brings experience that cannot be gained from books alone. José knows the work of a parish and has spent many years at the seminary—first as a student, later as a formator.

Venezuela's economic situation makes such studies nearly impossible. Neither the archdiocese nor the priests' families can cover the costs of study and living expenses in Rome. Without outside help, suitable lecturers could not be prepared for this task.

Help Us With Priestly Formation

Priesterausbildungshilfe supports the formation of priests and seminarians from financially struggling dioceses. Padre José shows just how far this help can reach. What he learns in Rome will not stay with him alone. After his return, he will teach seminarians who will later serve as priests in the parishes of Venezuela.

In his letter, Padre José thanks all those who make this formation work possible. He asks God and the Blessed Virgin Mary to grant material and spiritual blessings to the benefactors. He remains united with them in prayer.

Please support priests like José with your prayers and, if possible, with a donation. Your help enables them to receive a thorough formation, return to their homeland, and there prepare future priests for their ministry.

Thank You for Your Support!