"Training and tempering reduces the risk of doubting the path laid out by God."

In fact, he even worked as a professor at the National University of Piurain Peru, his native country. Nine years later, he again worked as a teacher in his hometown, but now teaching theology at the University of Piura, a work of the apostolate of the Opus DeiHe is also the chaplain of the Faculty of Engineering.

Father Chinguel moved to Spain to train to become a priest, and at the University of Navarra he completed his Bachelor's degree in Theology. He then completed his Licentiate in Moral Theology and finally his Doctorate, the thesis of which he defended in 2021. In the meantime, Don José Luis was ordained a priest in 2020. Right after his ordination he spent several months in Murcia, in two schools of Fomento, until he was finally able to return to Peru to continue his priestly ministry.

In this interview with the CARF Foundation, this priest evokes with great affection his time in Pamplona, his priestly ordination in Rome, the fruits of the formation he has received during these years and the great memories he has lived once ordained.

God, the Lord of Miracles

You have lived in Europe and also in Peru, your native country. What similarities and differences have you seen in the faith and the Church in both places? During my stay in Europe I was only able to visit Spain, France and Italy. These are nations with a long Catholic tradition, but which still maintain the faith in sectors of the society of each country. I did notice the advance of the secularization process, but God continues to awaken in hearts a desire to seek him and to devote themselves to his service. In fact, I remember that, at the university during the days of Theology and other conferences, I noticed the presence of students from other faculties, especially from Medicine, who were very interested in hearing about the topics of faith and religion that were offered to us.

The great advantage of Europe, in my opinion, lies in being close to Rome, the center of Catholicism, as well as being close to historic places of faith: Santiago de Compostela, Assisi, Fatima, Lourdes, and others. Peru, on the other hand, is characterized by being officially and mainly Catholic, although the practice of faith is clearly lower. However, popular devotion has a powerful "pull" among the people. There is one in particular that is very deeply rooted and that is the Señor de los Milagros, to whom many Peruvians pay much devotion.

You studied in Pamplona, what was your experience like? Indeed, I studied in Pamplona, since September 2015. A beautiful experience. I arrived there at the age of 33, after having worked as an economist for more than ten years. It was a return to the classroom that cost me at first. I had to make some effort to catch up with the rest of my classmates.

What struck you most about your time at the University of Navarra? Several things. The beauty of the campus, the great variety of the students' backgrounds and, above all, how organized the university is. Another striking thing was that we theology students were considered the same as other students from other faculties, with the same rights, the same obligations and access to the same places as the others. I pleasantly remember the cordiality of the secretaries, of the library staff....

How has the training you received helped you in your pastoral work? Studies in Pamplona in the UNAV School of TheologyTheological studies have not only helped me to deepen my knowledge of Sacred Theology, but also in the good habit of looking for reliable sources to turn to for the preparation of my preaching, which is a constant in the priestly ministry.

And on a more personal and spiritual level? Undoubtedly, having lived in the Aralar Hall of ResidenceHis spiritual wake has left a deep impression on me and on the people who knew him and who passed it on to me in very interesting gatherings and, in general, in all the activities of study and formation that I received there.

What have been the most memorable moments you have experienced as a priest? The day after I was ordained in Rome I went to St. Peter's Square for the Angelus with the Pope. When it was over, the people I was with decided to go to lunch in the Trastevere district. While we were there, on one of the streets we passed, there were a couple of young ladies collecting signatures. One of them came up to me and said, very quickly, a few words that I did not understand, and then asked me in Italian to give her a blessing. For me it was my first act as a clergyman: to give a blessing to a person.

But, above all, I remember the moment of my ordination, which I cannot explain. I felt that culminating moment during the laying on of hands by the cardinal who ordained us.

The first baptism I officiated was something special.

And any others? The first Mass that I celebrated, which was in the Roman church of St. Girolamo della Carità. It was a gift from God because it was a beautiful church, because the Cardinal of Lima and several compatriots who heard about my ordination wanted to attend. A day later, I passed through France, on my way to Pamplona together with five other priests. We stayed overnight in Lyon and the host encouraged us to go to Ars and celebrate Mass there, in the chapel where the patron saint of parish priests and priests is, St. John Mary Vianney. It was another great gift from God.

Nor will I forget the first baptism I officiated, it was something special. Also the first wedding celebrated in Piura. In the conversations prior to that wedding, I told the bride and groom that I was more nervous than they were, but that I would try to calm down and give them confidence.

From the experience you already have, what do you think a priest needs in the face of the many challenges he faces every day to bring God to others? Looking in perspective, it is not only the studies, which give us a great deal of training and help us to face the challenges of our ministry, but also the fact of forging our spiritual mettle and enriching our soul. I think that this reaffirms us in our vocation and thus reduces the risk of doubting the path traced out by God.

On the other hand, the financial aid received for studies includes lodging in a good residence or college in sufficient conditions, which educates us in the dignity that as priests we have to take care of, if possible with even more exigency, when exercising our ministry.

Would you add anything else? Yes, the sport that one tries to do at this time also constitutes a healthy habit in view of the task of helping souls. In this way, the priestly overload can be dissipated and better endured. Every Sunday I used to organize an indoor soccer game in the sports hall of the University of Navarra.

Do you want to say something to the benefactors of the CARF Foundation? To the benefactors of the CARF Foundation, I extend my sincere thanks. I would like to tell you that your generosity does much good and that God our Lord will take it into account as merits for you and your family. Count on my prayers, even though I do not know you personally. Through the communion of saints, I believe that the prayers of priests benefit all those who have made your formation and ordination possible.

"Benefactors, your generosity does much good and that God Our Lord will hold it in high regard as merit for you and your family."