"My priestly vocation has been a true work of God."

Nataniel's vocation to the priesthood originated in the most unexpected situation, since his father belonged to the Kimbanguist religion, an African religious current originating in Angola, founded in 1921 by Simão Tocoknown as the prophet Kimbangu.

This faith combines elements of Christianity, especially Protestantism, with traditional African practices and beliefs. Kimbanguists believe in a supreme God, the importance of prophets and spiritual healing. They also promote unity, peace and social justice, and are distinguished by their emphasis on the fight against oppression and racial discrimination. Religion has a strong influence in Angola and other parts of Africa. However, a providential path led Nataniel to embrace the Catholic faith and, over the years, to feel a call to the priesthood.

Today he is in Rome, studying for his bachelor's degree in theology and living in the Sedes Sapientiae International Seminarthanks to a grant from the CARF Foundation.

Religion in the family

Nataniel is the second of five brothers and sisters, and comes from a family that is not strictly Catholic, but had a religious experience that marked his life. His father is a military man, and although he does not practice much, in his family the religion that was practiced was kimbanguista. On the other hand, his mother, Isabel, who was a hairdresser, was baptized in the Catholic Church but ended up converting to Protestantism. This was Nataniel's reality until 2012.

The mother's reconversion

The change began when Nataniel's mother decided to return to the Catholic Church. "She gave us the order that we would no longer attend any other church, and we started going to church every Sunday." For Nataniel, it was a challenge. He had grown up participating in the Protestant church's Sunday school, where Bible quizzes were held, and what motivated him most to go was the chance to win prizes. Now, attending church, everything seemed strange and different. But he had no choice but to accompany his mother.

The discovery of the Catholic faith

By attending catechesis, Nataniel began to discover the teachings of the Church. He studied the Bible and Church history in greater depth, which strengthened his faith and gave new meaning to his life. In 2015, he joined the acolyte group, getting closer to the liturgy and the priest, and that same year he received baptism. "We can lose fame, youth, money, but the one thing that truly cannot be lost is Christ."

Priestly vocation

The year 2015 was key, not only because of his baptism, but also because he started high school. During that period, the idea of entering the seminary began to take shape in his heart. "Seeing the pastor carry out his ministry motivated me to follow in his footsteps. I felt in the depths of my being that my vocation was to be a priest, to give my life to the service of God and for the salvation of souls. I wanted to be an instrument of God in the midst of his people," he tells us joyfully.

The challenge of yes to Jesus

Nataniel was a bright boy in studies, he had received scholarships to study computer engineering in London or the United States, but in 2017 he makes the decision to share with his parents his desire to enter the seminary. "It was a difficult time, especially for my mother. She didn't understand why I wanted to take such a radical step in my life. For her, having her only male child take this path was hard to understand."

Over time, his parents, who had returned to the Catholic faith, began to open their hearts and understand their son's desire. Finally, in February 2018, Nataniel's parents accepted their son's decision to become a priest and on February 25 he entered the archdiocesan seminary of Luanda, a decisive step towards the dream of his vocation. "It was a moment of great joy and gratitude to God for allowing me to follow the path that I felt He had prepared for me."

A journey of faith

Today he sees how each step has led him to where he is, to this call to the priesthood that began in his heart in an unexpected way, but which has been confirmed and strengthened over the years. "My vocation was born in a diverse family context, it has been a true work of God."

He is deeply grateful to his parents for their understanding and for supporting him on this path. "My desire is to move forward, with faith and hope, dedicating my life to the service of God and his people."

Grateful to the benefactors

With this testimony, Nataniel wishes to express his deep gratitude to all the benefactors of the CARF Foundation for giving him the opportunity to continue his studies in Rome.

She is currently in her third year of Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. "Thanks to your support, I am able to commit myself to the mission of Holy Mother Church to bring the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ to all nations," he says.

"I pray every day for you so that the Lord, the Supreme and Eternal Good, from whom all blessings come, may continue to bless you and guide your steps towards the vocation to which we are all called, Holiness. Thank you very much!" he says with a smile.

Gerardo FerraraBA in History and Political Science, specializing in the Middle East.
Head of the student body at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

Paul from Malawi: "we need well-trained priests to help everyone".

The great cultural richness of Malawi is countered by the scarcity of means, especially in the diocese of Karonga, a young and small diocese in need of many priests. This is Paul's dream: to be well trained in Pamplona in order to return and serve effectively the diocesan church of his country.

This young African, 23 years old, resides in the Bidasoa international seminar and is studying theology at the University of Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarre. The bishop of the diocese of Karonga, in the north of Malawi, has sent him to Pamplona to receive a solid and integral formation so that, when he returns, he can put all the preparation he has acquired to work in the Church in his country.

Need for priests in Malawi

"The need of my diocese is to have more priests. There are very few of us and it is a young, new and small diocese, founded in 2010," Paul explains. For this reason, he is very excited about the complete preparation he is receiving in Pamplona.

Your diocese needs not only well-trained priests, but also more missionaries to help the few who are not yet in the diocese. diocesan priestsThe diocese has only 19 diocesan priests and 28 seminarians.

Living conditions in Malawi

In his diocese there is also a shortage of health and education professionals. Paul explains, "We certainly need the help of these health facilities to improve the living conditions of Christians, but also of the entire population of the diocese. But we are grateful that the diocese has done all it can to help with new schools and some health centers, even though the demand is still very high."

Had it not been for the help of the CARF Foundation and benefactors, Paul would not have had the opportunity to receive a complete formation as a priest that will do so much good for his people.

Coexistence between Christians, Muslims and African traditions

Certainly, your diocese has scarce economic means, but a great wealth in terms of coexistence.

"Catholics in Malawi live in peace, celebrate their faith joyfully and demonstrate it culturally. Malawi is a very peaceful country, we live in harmony and cooperation with other Christians, Muslims and African traditions without killing each other. Religious expression is not a problem," he says happily.

In this African country, Catholics have a higher percentage (17.2 %) than other Christian denominations; it should be remembered that there are many other groups of Christian confessions, because Great Britain colonized the country and the first Christians who evangelized were Protestants from England and Scotland. A few years later, the Catholic White Fathers from France went as missionaries, when Protestantism had already spread in the country.

The example of priests

The example of Catholic priests and missionaries in Malawi had a positive influence on Paul, as well as the strength of his environment. He comes from a large family of seven siblings with strong Catholic roots: four boys and three girls. Paul is the sixth.

The departure of his mother to Heaven in 2014, when he was only 13 years old, caused him great sorrow. But this grief turned into hope and faith thanks to the support of her family and religious, an example that was decisive in helping her to move forward and shape her vocation.

"Lord, let me try."

He began to discern his vocation to the priesthood as a child, when he participated in the activities that took place in his school, in the minor seminary. But he did not know if he could carry out such a mission.

"As a child I thought I could live like them, like the priests who took care of me and educated me. And I told the Lord: let me try, I'm going to give everything so that one day I can be a priest," he says.
Finally, he entered the major seminary at the age of 19. In this vocational journey that he has undertaken, he hopes to alleviate the need of his diocese for well-trained priests, especially to reach out to the youth.

Reaching out to young people

"Young people are very influential in spreading the Gospel through the media, but also in the annual youth meetings and conferences that are organized to keep the faith and spread it; they gather in large numbers, which is very promising," Paul Benson proudly expresses.

For him, young priests are able to understand what young people need by developing new approaches to explaining Catholic doctrine, giving arguments and thus being able to live and witness to the Catholic faith in Malawi.

What Europeans should learn from Africans

Africa has great challenges, but so does Europe, because Europeans must learn great virtues from African Catholics: "audacity and resilience to resist and keep the faith, the tradition itself; to proclaim the truth and help this broken generation, where many things are happening contrary to our Christian customs, among them, many sexual immoralities," Paul laments.

Thanks to the CARF Foundation

This is one of the reasons why he believes that the formation of a priest is paramount: "We must help everyone, those who believe and those who don't, those of one class and those of another. That is why we need priests who are well trained".

With enthusiasm and joy he thanks the CARF Foundation for all it does for his academic studies. "Our formation is academic, spiritual and pastoral, and I am very happy for your help."

Marta Santín, journalist specializing in religion.

Benedikt's vocation: from carpenter to seminarian

The dream of his vocation has taken him to Rome to be trained as a priest at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and is in the first year of the first cycle of Theology.

Benedikt Aicher was born on April 26, 1999 in Rosenheim, Bavaria, Germany, about 90 kilometers from Marktl am Inn, where Josef Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict (Benedikt in German) XVI, was born.

This young German is based in Rome and is part of the institute. Work of Jesus High PriestThe FMA, a Catholic community dedicated principally to the sanctification of priests and the promotion of a life of service, prayer and apostolate. Its charism is centered on consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the pursuit of Christian perfection through the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience.

A childhood marked by faith and family

Benedikt Aicher grew up with his two brothers in a small village in the Bavarian Alps, where family work, prayer and Christian values were fundamental. As a child, his parents taught him the importance of sacrifice and dedication to others, laying the foundations for a vocation that would later lead him to want to become a priest.

"Our parents taught us one thing in particular: to make sacrifices out of love for others. There was always a lot of work, so we soon had to help out. Since we had no sisters, housework was also a matter of course for us," she tells us.

The influence of his grandfather and Benedict XVI

Benedikt's Catholic heritage extends to his grandfather, who studied alongside St. John Paul II's successor, Pope Benedict XVI. This family legacy, along with the traditions of the Church, created an environment conducive for Benedikt to cultivate his faith from an early age.

"My parents received a profound Catholic influence from their own parents and from the Church. My father spent many years in a minor seminary. My grandfather also attended the seminary, along with Joseph Ratzinger, with the sincere desire to become a priest, but World War II interrupted his formation. When he returned from prison in France, he wanted to continue his studies, but because of what he had lived through, he could no longer find the peace he needed to study," Benedikt tells us.

From an early age, he and his siblings attended Mass every Sunday and were introduced by their parents to Catholic traditions. Thus, at home, they created an environment conducive to God's work.

"After my First Communion I told my mother: now I'll start being an altar boy and then I'll enter a monastery!" he tells us with a smile.

Discovering his vocation in the midst of doubts and dreams

Although Benedikt dreamed of becoming a carpenter, his heart was won over by God's call to the priesthood. During his youth, the Virgin Mary played a central role in guiding him to a life of prayer and dedication. At the age of fifteen, after some resistance, he finally accepted his vocation, taking concrete steps to enter the seminary.

"My vocation to the priesthood came as a child, but I also dreamed of becoming a carpenter. My uncle, who unfortunately is now in Heaven, was a Benedictine friar and worked as a carpenter in the monastery. When I was a child I wanted to train there with him, but with time this desire disappeared.

During his time at school, he was a very shy boy. At home, on the other hand, he made a lot of fuss. High school took him out of town, to the city. "My school still had Christian values. That, along with the protection of the Virgin Mary, saved me from many things. In fact, we never left home without praying with our mother before the statue of the Virgin and making the sign of the cross with holy water."

Although carpentry was something that appealed to Benedikt, there was another path for him. "I always liked to participate in the altar boys' group. It was my preference all the way. After a few years, my brothers and I became senior altar servers and we would lead the group according to our abilities. We also helped in other parish activities, such as Confirmation preparation. For many years, I played the tenor horn in the marching band. Halfinger Bläserkreis".

Discernment of vocation

The Virgin Mary always wanted to bring Jesus to him. "At the age of twelve, we began attending monthly Legionaries of Christ conferences, where we found spiritual nourishment. When I was fourteen, my brothers and I began to participate in a youth camp every two months, also spiritually accompanied by the Legionaries of Christ. Eventually, I became part of the organizing team, where I was mainly in charge of the economic tasks together with my older brother".

This period had a great impact on his faith life, as he was led to the Eucharist and Confession. At the age of fifteen he again felt the call to the priesthood. "It was brief and I rejected it firmly. In the following years, the intervals in which I felt this call became shorter and shorter and more intense."

The prayer groups he attended told him to pray for his future wife. Benedikt had not yet accepted his vocation, but he could not pray without adding: "And if you have another way for me, grant someone else a good wife," he says joyfully.

Jesus conquered his heart, and Benedikt gradually embraced that call to the priesthood.

The key role of the CARF Foundation in his formation as a seminarian

Today, Benedikt is a seminarian and studies theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross thanks to the support of the CARF Foundation. With the help of benefactors, Benedikt has not only been able to receive quality training, but has also felt the spiritual and material support necessary to continue his mission of serving the Church.

Benedikt Aicher's story is a living example of how the faith, work and generosity of CARF benefactors can transform lives and strengthen the Church.

Gerardo Ferrara
BA in History and Political Science, specializing in the Middle East.
Head of the student body at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

Asitha: "being a good and well-formed priest will help people to reach the path of God".

Being a priest for Asitha Sriyantha is fulfilling his childhood dream. His family is Catholic and devout, but he studied in a Buddhist school that could have changed the course of his life. But it didn't. Now a seminarian, he studies at the University of Navarra in Pamplona and resides in the Bidasoa International Seminar.

When God calls in childhood to be a priest

"Since my childhood I had the desire to be a priest. When teachers asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would answer: I want to be a priest," says Asitha.

And although he comes from a devout Catholic family, with parents who are actively involved in parish activities, the decision to become a priest was not initially welcomed by his father, because in Asia it is difficult to accept that your only male child enters the seminary and leaves the family business.

"Now he is proud to have a son preparing to be a priest," exclaims Asitha. Thanks to his parents, his mother's influence, and the simple faith of his grandmother who lives with them, he grew in faith and relationship with God.

Ser sacerdote — *"Being a good, well-formed priest can help a lot of people."*.

His childhood in a Buddhist school

Asitha studied primary school in the school near the parish church and among her daily routine it was normal to serve at the morning Mass.

In high school his life took a turn when he entered a Buddhist school, an experience that has given him a broader understanding of Buddhism, the majority religious practice in his country.

My teachers and friends didn't understand," he says. Later, when I explained it to them, they understood my desire a little better and even encouraged me."

Now, his relatives and friends are happy because he is the first in his family to become a priest. "I hope and pray that some of my relatives will choose this wonderful life path: to become a priest," he exclaims. His only sister is always there for whatever is needed.

Catholics in Sir Lanka and the great contribution of the Church in Aasia

The Catholic Church counts in Sri Lanka with about 1.4 million faithful, representing about 7 % of the population. It is organized into 11 dioceses including one archdiocese. Asitha Sriyantha Lakmal is from the Diocese of Colombo, a diocese to which he will return after training in theology and philosophy at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarre.

"Asia is incredibly diverse, with numerous ethnicities, languages and cultural practices," comments Asitha, aware that the Church in Asia contributes to the rich tapestry of religions in various ways, reflecting the diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of the continent.

"In fact, the Church in Asia often embraces and integrates this diversity, fostering a sense of unity in the midst of differences. Asia is home to several major religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and others," he comments.

Therefore, the great contribution of the Church in Asia is its participation in interreligious dialogue, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among people of different religions and thus contributing to peace.

"In many Asian countries Christians carry out their mission in peace and freedom, but in others there are situations of violence and persecution," he laments.

Training, the great challenge in the face of secularization

However, the great challenge faced by young people is that they priests of the 21st centuryThe main reason for this, both in Asia and in the rest of the world, is the strong secularization of society.

To face this great challenge, Asitha Sriyantha is convinced that "formation is key to address the challenges of our mission. I believe that every priest must fulfill his mission in the face of the thinking of the modern world," says Asitha.

And an integral formation is also a challenge to attract young people, a formation that will help to find innovative ways to address these challenges and to serve actively in the divine mission.

Prayer and sacraments

But in addition to formation, Asitha reminds us that prayer and the sacraments are the essence of our Catholic faith, because "we will only bear the fruit that God wants, if we seek God's grace and guidance, maintaining a close relationship with Him".

This relationship of trust and faith with the Lord was acquired as a child thanks to his parents, a seed that left its mark on his soul. Thus, at the age of sixteen he entered the minor seminary of St. Aloysius in Colombo and three years later he entered the propaedeutic seminary.

"I did three years of philosophical studies at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Kandy, and now I can study theology in Pamplona thanks to the CARF Foundation," he says excitedly.

Asitha junto a don Emilio Forte y dos compañeros del coro de Bidasoa — *Asitha with Mr. Emilio Forte and other members of the Bidasoa choir.*

The diversity of the universal Church in Bidasoa

In addition, his experience at the Bidasoa International Seminary gives him a very broad richness in his vocational journey. "In Sri Lanka, we experienced the local Church. But in Bidasoa, where I live in Pamplona, the universality of the Catholic Church is palpable. We may be different with our cultures and languages, but we are one in our faith."

God willing, he will be ordained a priest to serve his diocese. "Our life is one and we serve one Master. Our thoughts and ideas may differ, but we work together and walk together towards the same goal," Asitha concludes.

In conclusion, he is very grateful for the financial effort that benefactors make so that young people like him from all over the world can finish their studies. "A good and well-formed priest can help people to reach the path of God," he says joyfully.

Marta Santínjournalist specializing in religion.

Ajo Joy, India, a priestly vocation inspired by her mother

The priestly vocation of Ajo Joy (India) began at the age of 15. He is now a 26-year-old seminarian studying fourth year of Theology at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra and residing in the Bidasoa International Seminar.

Priestly vocation and the loss of his mother

His mother died of cancer when he was 15 years old. The next day, Ajo entered St. Raphael's minor seminary in the diocese of Quilon (Kerala, India), taking the first step in his priestly vocation: "My mother was like a teacher and friend to me. I am convinced that I owe my vocation to her. From heaven she intercedes for me".

After his experience, sends a message to young people who lose their parents or relatives at a young ageWith love and pride I tell you that our parents are a gift from God; we should share our desires and ambitions with them. When you lose one of them, don't break down, pray for them. Be happy and think that they are supporting and loving you in the same way as when they were alive."

The Diocese of Quilon: cradle of Christianity in India

This seminarian from India discovered his priestly vocation at a very early age. Despite being an only child, his parents not only did not object, but actively encouraged him along the way. Born into a Catholic family belonging to the Diocese of Quilon (also known as the Diocese of Kollam), the first Catholic diocese established in India, often considered the cradle of Indian Christianity. It was erected by Pope John XXII on August 9, 1329. The diocese covers an area of 1,950 km² and has a community of approximately 239,400 faithful Catholics.

Religious coexistence in Kerala, a model of unity

"In Kerala Catholics live in a diverse and multi-religious society. Although they constitute a minority, about 18 % of the population, Kerala is home to two churches: eastern and western. The Western Church includes the siro-malabar rite and the siro-malankar riteThe population is also very large, with a large population of Latin rite.

In Kerala, Catholics have maintained a relationship of respect and cooperation with other religions, such as Hinduism and Islam, and we also maintain a respect for the diverse cultures in the country," explains this young seminarian.

In difficult times, united communities

The ability to live and thrive in a multi-religious society is one of the most valuable lessons that European Catholics could learn from the Catholics of India, particularly those of Kerala, who have created a strong culture of respect and cooperation with other religions.

Ajo puts it this way: "Harmony among religions is fundamental. This could improve the life and practice of the Catholic faith in Spain by fostering coexistence and dialogue among religions. The focus on community is another crucial lesson.

In difficult times, Catholic communities in India are often close-knit and mutually supportive. Spanish Catholics can find inspiration from this solidarity and sense of belonging".

Priestly formation in a secularized world

Ajo Joy is one of the young seminarians of the 21st century who is being formed to respond to the challenges of a secularized world. He believes that a The young priest of today's world faces a world in constant change and, for this reason, it is essential to strengthen his vocation by seeing God as a companion, as a friend. "The priestly vocation is friendship, and I have always seen God as a friend who has helped me a lot in my life," he tells us with a big smile.

Moreover, this young seminarian from India believes that, in addition to nourishing himself with prayer and the Eucharist, the formation of a priest The current situation also needs to strengthen its vocation in social justice, working in community projects and advocating for the human rights and dignity of all. "But the essential thing is to share the experience of God with others," concludes Ajo Joy.

Donate now, and help seminarians like Ajo Joy fulfill their priestly vocation.

Ajo is very grateful to all the benefactors of the CARF Foundation who make it possible for him to complete his theological training, his goal is to be able to train very well and return to his diocese in India to help future priests, religious men and women in India.

Marta Santínjournalist specializing in religion.

Jesús Eduardo, seminarian: "we priests of the 21st century should not be afraid of tribulations".

"In my adolescence and early youth, many people invited me to participate in a youth or worship group, and my answer was always the same: thank you very much, but no. At that time in my life, I did not see all the good that God offered me. At that time in my life I didn't see all the good that God was offering me".

The new evangelization in Mexico

Now 33 years old, he is a seminarian in the diocese of Tabasco (Mexico), studying at the University of Navarra and residing and training in the Bidasoa International Seminar (Pamplona). He is aware that a good formation is necessary to be able to evangelize in a post-modern society of the 21st century, especially in Mexico, a country with strong Catholic roots where Protestantism is also gaining ground.

"One of the main evangelization needs, not only in my diocese but in the whole country, is how to evangelize in the face of the multiple Protestant groups that are growing."

According to his experience, it is necessary to begin with the families, catechizing and making known the beauty of the Word of God. "To achieve this, parishes must foster more of a missionary spirit in their own communities (which is something that is done) but it must be promoted much more, and thus, together with the participation of the whole community, bring God closer to those who do not yet know him or who have even moved away."

Catholic families, the cradle of vocations

Faced with the proliferation of Protestant or anti-clerical groups, this seminarian is convinced of the power of every Catholic being a witness to the Catholic faith, and as he suggests, starting with families.

"Families are the domestic churches where the cultivation of faith begins, as well as those values, virtues, teachings and customs that will gradually mold the character and personality of each of its members."

Jesus is convinced that if the Catholic faith is lived in every family, its witness will give an answer to those anti-clerical groups that seek to attack the Church. "This is not a war between the Catholic faith and Protestant sects, but as Catholics we have a great responsibility, and illuminated by the light of faith, we must acquire the best preparation to face the new challenges of this era."

The example of his family

This seminarian, who wants to become a priest, transmits his own experience of what he learned in his family. He is the youngest of three brothers and has grown up with the support of his family, a fundamental factor in becoming the person he is today, always hand in hand with God in every project of his life.

"The good moments of my childhood are full of the union between brothers, playing, having fun, protecting each other. Something good about my childhood is that since I was little I have been a constant person in my studies, which my parents always instilled in me, something that has characterized me all my life."

A turning point: the seminar

He also recalls that adolescence was one of the best stages of his life because he began to grow and mature in his personality. "The good thing about my adolescence is that I was defining my way of being, I knew how to distinguish good from bad and above all the confidence that my parents had in me and my siblings. I thank my parents who always gave me an education based on values, creating in my brothers and me, the sense of responsibility, dedication and effort in all our activities," says this seminarian.

His parents supported him in the most important moment of his life: entering the seminary at the age of thirty, after a professional career and a stable job, always trusting in God's will, "calling me to go beyond my abilities to give back to God, in a generous way, all that He had given me throughout my life".

Evangelizing Mexican youth

The dream of this seminarian is to evangelize the youth of Mexico. "There is something that calls my attention and that is that the youth in Mexico, despite the changes that have occurred in recent years, is a youth that has a voice and makes itself heard, it is a youth where it is clearly seen that when there is union and all connect towards the same interest they achieve the goals they set, it is a youth where there is much hope especially in these times of modernity".

In his opinion, what is needed to bring young people closer to the Catholic faith is to give them and allow them to participate more in parishesIt is of great importance to make them feel part of the church, integrating them in the activities to generate in them attitudes of love and responsibility not only to the service they are rendering, but also to God.

"However, families are fundamental to achieve this, since it is there that love for God is fostered, as well as love for the Church," Jesus insists.

The seminarian of the 21st century

What must the seminarian and priest of the 21st century be like for Jesús Eduardo? "In my opinion he must have a great love and dedication to what God has called him to; have a sense of commitment and responsibility wherever he is; have a solidity in all his areas of formation, which will allow him to face the challenges that our Church has and will have in the future."

In addition, he considers it necessary that the current seminarians and priests maintain a constant ongoing formation in order to be able to respond to the needs and concerns of the people of God, since we are facing future generations that are preparing themselves very well.

Losing fear and trusting in God

"A seminarian in the 21st century must not extinguish the flame of his vocation in the face of what the world has to offer, which could divert him from what he was called to do. He must always keep in mind the reason why he decided to follow God and not to be afraid of the tribulations they may experience".

Jesús Eduardo Flores concludes: "answering God's call is and will be one of the most enriching experiences that will mark the life of a seminarian, who will never forget all his efforts throughout his formation and will be reflected in his service to the Church and to all God's people as a priest".

In closing, Jesus is very grateful to all the benefactors of the CARF Foundation who make his studies in Pamplona possible. "Thank you to the benefactors for their generosity and for their prayers, because by helping seminarians like me, they help many Christian communities around the world. I keep you in my prayers.