In the vast northern plains ArgentineDanilo and his siblings were raised by their grandmother in the region of Chaco, where the town of Presidencia San Roque is located. From her, a woman who prayed a lot and prayed constantly to God, he received his faith. When he went to study in another town, he came into contact with the parish of San Antonio de Padua de Río Bermejito. With the spiritual guidance of the priest Ramón Roa, and accompanying him in his work in the many rural towns he served, he began to awaken his desire to serving the Church.
In a pastoral experience, Aranda answered the call to become a priest and decided to enter the interdiocesan seminary. His path to the priesthood was forged in the authenticity of the faith lived in the daily life of his home, and was consolidated in his dedication to the rural communities that longed for spiritual sustenance in the middle of the vastness of the Argentine plains.
"My grandmother, with her constant prayers, illuminated the path of my faith. In youth ministry I discovered the call to serve, especially in rural areas. The priesthood ceased to be just a calling; it became my mission."
Priest Danilo Juvenal Aranda.
Danilo Aranda's path to the priesthood led him to the Eternal City, Romewhere theology is breathed in every corner. At the International College Sedes Sapientiae and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, he not only acquired knowledge, but also lived a unique fraternity with young people with the same vocation from all over the world.
Theology became more than an academic study; it was an experience that he embraced with all his mind, heart and soul. Studying in Rome allowed him to meet Popes Benedict XVI and Francis who left an indelible mark on his path.
The special life of the Eternal City was reflected in every class at the university, in every experience with companions who shared the same spiritual concerns. The vitality of Rome not only nourished his academic formation, but also strengthened his commitment to his priestly vocation through human and spiritual formation.
"Rome not only gave me knowledge; I was immersed in the living history of the Church. In those days, I experienced the universality of our faith. Dialoguing with the popes was not only an honor, but a living lesson in humility and service."
Priest Danilo Juvenal Aranda.
Among the cobblestone alleys with the sanpietrini and the majestic basilicas of Rome, Don Danilo treasures memories that will stay with him for the rest of his life. The day of Pope Francis' election, for example. On March 13, 2013, he was studying, reviewing a subject, when the doorbell began to ring, he began to hear voices and feel a lot of movement. Until he heard someone say "habemus papam". Everyone from the school ran out to St. Peter's Square, even though it was raining, as they heard the sound of the church bells ringing announcing the election of Pope Bergoglio.
"Every cobblestone in Rome has a story. Remember the day of the Habemus Papam is to relive an epic of faith that marked my heart. The rain did not dampen the joy; it made it more intense".
Priest Danilo Juvenal Aranda.
Ordination in 2015 marked a new chapter in the life of Father Danilo Juvenal Aranda. From the position of episcopal secretary to pastor of St. Bernard, his path has been marked by service and accompaniment.
The pandemic, challenging but full of opportunities, revealed to him the beauty of pastoral service. Accompanying his community in the midst of uncertainty became a tangible expression of his commitment and devotion. Each stage of his journey has allowed him to discover new dimensions of his vocation as a priest, from administrative roles to direct service in the parish.
"The pandemic was not just a challenge; it was an opportunity to discover the very essence of service, to find beauty in the midst of adversity. My work as a priest took on new meaning in those days."
Priest Danilo Juvenal Aranda.
In a world where young people are increasingly distancing themselves from the Church, Father Aranda addresses the challenge of bringing them closer to God. His experience in various parishes and in youth ministry reveals the importance of active listening.
Authenticity and closeness are essential to connect with today's generation. The young people They yearn for more than speeches; they seek a living witness to the faith, and Fr. Danilo strives to be that presence full of hope and joy. In every community where he has served, he has understood that genuine connection with young people is built on authenticity and empathy.
"Young people are looking for authenticity and an incarnated faith. They need witnesses who reflect the joy and hope that only God can offer. Youth ministry is not just a duty, it is a passionate calling."
Priest Danilo Juvenal Aranda.
Danilo Aranda, trust in God and fraternity among priests are fundamental. Also perseverance in prayer and service, a good spiritual director and ongoing formation. These are the pillars that support the priest's mission.
"Faith, fraternity and ongoing formation are like the pillars that support the priest in turbulent times. Trusting in God and supporting each other are keys to success. In addition, ongoing formation keeps us prepared to face emerging challenges with wisdom and discernment."
Priest Danilo Juvenal Aranda.
