Took a while to arrive in Chile, as he was assigned during the height of the pandemic. Currently, he serves as the coordinator of the adults’ sections in the territory of Chile and as the director of the gentlemen’s section of La Dehesa. “Today I look back and think of so many people that God has put in my path through the priesthood, and I understand that it has been worth it,” comments Fr. Javier Caballero, LC.
Of Catholic family, with two brothers and three nephews, Father Javier was educated in Jesuit schools, which stood out for their high academic standards, social commitment, and extensive sports offerings. In fact, there is hardly any sport discipline he hasn’t practiced at some point in his life: tennis, American football, diving, soccer, baseball, among others. He still enjoys sports today.
His deep encounter with God and Regnum Christi happened at the end of high school. He began participating in some activities and then started a vocational discernment course where he experienced God’s call. “If God loved me, why did He take away what made me happy? Then I understood the value of a deeper happiness,” he says. When he refers to “what made me happy,” he means his family, travels, friends, sports, and parties. “Even so, I couldn’t not give God a chance. I didn’t want to follow God, but I also didn’t have a valid reason not to,” he explains.
Fr. Javier began his seminary formation in Spain, then was sent to Italy, where he started his novitiate. “God calls, but always leaves you free to accept or refuse His invitation. I said yes, and that is my only merit.” Since his ordination as a priest, 16 years have passed. “I consider myself a happy priest. I can say I am a priest because God called me, even though at first I didn’t want to, I didn’t think about it, nor did I ever seek or imagine it. It’s beautiful to see that God always gives you more than you can poorly offer Him.”
What has it been like to live your vocation in Chile?
Fantastic. I am amazed by the great work that has been done so far as Regnum Christi. It is a country with a great pastoral demand, where one cannot keep up; there are so many needs and requests to attend to. It is a great country, with very valuable and hospitable people.
From your work, what do people need most?
Presence and genuine human and spiritual accompaniment, formation activities, listening, and sacramental life. It is wonderful to see that the presence of priests and consecrated personnel in their daily lives fosters deep and authentic friendships, solid bonds that go beyond time and distance, where the ideal of holiness naturally, simply, and spontaneously springs forth.
Fr. Javier, what are the focus areas of the gentlemen’s section of La Dehesa during 2022?
We are focused on re-engaging people post-pandemic and restoring the normal rhythm of a section, with a hybrid scheme, combining in-person activities with virtual ones. We have resumed weekly encounters with Christ, monthly retreats, triduums, short courses, and annual team gatherings, training days for leaders, and spiritual and sacramental accompaniment. Additionally, I have been gradually getting to know each member of the section. I thank God for the good, generous, and qualified people who are part of Regnum Christi.
What are the main challenges?
Training, growth, and generational renewal of the section, especially through pastoral work with couples, and ensuring that each person participating in the section has a profound experience of God that transforms them into apostles capable of accomplishing great works for God and others.
What do you enjoy most about being a priest?
Seeing God’s action and grace in people. I enjoy preaching, forming, motivating, supporting, structuring, encouraging work, and accompanying people, couples, families, and priests who make up our territory in living out their mission and vocation. In the end, what matters is giving glory to God, and whatever you do, that is beautiful and fruitful.
What does Regnum Christi mean to you?
It is a way of life that comes from God’s invitation to hope and trust, to collaborate with Him in establishing His Kingdom, and to be authentic, coherent, credible, bearing witness to His love for everyone. It is a blessing, a gift, a treasure for the lives of those God calls to be part of it.
