Don Antonio is 27 years old and “two and a half years a priest”. Currently, this young diocesan priest, whom Familia Misionera from Spain has come to support during Holy Week in the evangelization mission, attends to 25 parishes in El Bierzo, with a total of 65 small, dispersed, and very sparsely populated villages. Together, they do not reach 600 inhabitants. Additionally, his bishop has entrusted him with other no less important tasks: he is a trainer at the Minor Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, in Ponferrada, half an hour away from his villages, and Chaplain at the Diocesan College San Ignacio, where also the diocesan minor seminarians study. Despite everything, Don Antonio has taken a few minutes to meet with us and share his priestly experience. He describes his faithful as “hardened, brave people, of humble and upright faith”. Grateful people “who love the priest, for being a priest. And they expect the sacraments from him, especially the Holy Mass”.
What is the greatest need you have in your daily life? How do you organize yourself throughout the year?
My greatest need in daily life: growing in relationship, in the formation of Christ the Priest. My ordination motto is: Galatians 2:20: “I live, but not I; it is Christ who lives in me.” This is my primary need.
And a second, to be accompanied by other priests. The priest cannot be alone. He must have the company of his brothers, whatever it costs, even if it means traveling miles and hours by car. Priests who serve in villages must seek the company of other priests.
The organization during the year: much poorer than I would like. Due to being in a very depopulated area, it almost reduces to the people’s days off. In the parishes that are town hall seats, we have Mass every Sunday. For the larger villages, I try to visit them each month. All with humility. Offering my presence, and always responding whenever they call. The most important thing to care for is visiting the sick.
Laity are the ones who take care of the churches. Those who notify the priest when someone is ill, hospitalized, or needs the sacraments. Without this, it would be impossible for the priest to reach everyone.
How would you describe your parishioners in El Bierzo?
My parishioners are hardened, brave people, of humble and upright faith. People who have fought in life to keep their faith alive. Very grateful for each visit the priest makes to them. They love the priest for being a priest. And they expect the sacraments from him, especially the Holy Mass.
Well, with so many parishioners and pastoral responsibilities, how is your prayer life?
My prayer life: very poor. I have to thank the seminary. Presence in a seminary provides order of life, both human and spiritual. I am sure it will be a help for the future.
How did you get to know Familia Misionera?
I got to know Familia Misionera through the previous priest who cared for my Parishes in El Bierzo. With him, for years, they came during Holy Week.
What do you think will remain of this presence and collaboration in the mission throughout the rest of the year?
What has remained of the Mission? Much grace. People appreciated it very much. I am sure they have been able to carry the grace of the Spirit into the hearts of those they encountered.
