He finally arrived in Chile a few weeks ago, and on May 7th he will be ordained a priest in Rome. Father César began his vocational process at the age of 12, when he was part of the ECYD. He later completed his secondary studies at the Vocational Center of Colombia, his home country, and after finishing, he entered the Novitiate.
Father César J. Tobón, LC arrived in Chile after a long wait due to COVID. He will assume duties at the Territorial Secretariat of the Legionaries of Christ and at the Finis Terrae University. On May 7th, he will be ordained a priest in Rome, at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, alongside 36 other Legionaries of Christ.
Father César was born in Colombia and is the eldest of three children. He studied at a Salesian school and began participating in ECYD at age 12, where he initially expressed an interest in priestly life. After discussing it with his parents, he decided to pursue his secondary studies at the Vocational Center in his country to continue discerning his vocation, and upon completion, he entered the Novitiate. He studied classical humanities in Spain and philosophy in Rome, at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, where he also collaborated with the General Secretariat of the Legion of Christ.
Before arriving in Chile, he was a novice master at the Novitiate of Monterrey, Mexico; instructor of formation and member of the auxiliary team of ECYD at the Kilimanjaro Institute in that same city. He earned a degree in Humanities at the University of Anáhuac, Mexico, and then completed his degree in Philosophy and finished his theological training in Rome.
The communication office of Regnum Christi in the Colombia-Venezuela territory published an interview with Father César when he received the diaconate.
What did you want to be before considering the religious vocation?
In my heart, there were many hopes and desires. On one hand, I have always been fascinated by the human sciences such as history, art, archaeology, and I wanted to obtain the best training in one of these areas. Additionally, my family always instilled in me the importance of helping those in need, and I felt called to help anyone who needed it. In the end, God always does things well, because as a religious, I am dedicating my life to God with total devotion to the souls He places in my path, and at the same time, I have had opportunities to receive good training in the human sciences.
What led you to decide to dedicate your life to God?
The desire to respond to God when invited to love Him, follow Him, and dedicate my entire life to serving others. Not only in a philanthropic way but as a priest committed to souls. And finally, considering God’s total and merciful love towards me.
Was it difficult for you to say yes to God?
At the beginning of my discernment journey, especially in the minor seminary and early formation stages, I could say it wasn’t very difficult. Over the years, and in certain circumstances, it has become more challenging to respond fully to the love that the Lord offers me. These moments are an essential part of every Christian’s journey. In the life of a priest, they gain greater significance because they help forge the heart in the crucible of Love.
What has been the happiest moment in your vocation story?
The Lord has been great with me and has provided many moments of great happiness, so it would be unfair to point out just one. The apostolic work and fellowship with children and families at Kilimanjaro in Monterrey marked a before and after in my life. The years as a teacher in Salamanca, Monterrey, and Cheshire, and collaborating on courses at the Historical Archive of the Congregation were gifts from God to me. The support and closeness of my fellow Legionaries, especially during these last years in Rome, have been fundamental to my life and have brought moments of great joy and happiness.
