My first call to the priesthood came when I was a small boy growing up in Ibague, Colombia. When I went to Mass with my Mother, I would think that in the future I would celebrate Mass like a priest. There were many things that influenced my decision to enter the seminary. My parents, my four brothers and sister were all supportive of my calling. I like to read about the missionaries in Africa and I admired Pope Paul II. I decided that God wanted me to bring Jesus' message to help people and heal souls.

I worked in fast-food restaurants for about four years. I liked all kinds of food, American, Chinese, Thai, Italian and, of course, Colombian. My favorite pastime activities are drawing, painting, reading and watching good movies.

While at the seminary, I found out that the United States needed Hispanic priests to serve the  Hispanic population coming from Latin America. I decided to come to the Rockford Diocese in 2002.

My favorite devotion is to Our Lady of Fatima. I became devoted to her when I was a young boy and I pray to her always.

I hope to serve Our Lord by celebrating the Eucharist, giving the sacraments and teaching about Jesus. I want to work with the young people in the schools, visit homes and bring Christ to everybody. I am now studying at the Holy Spirit Missionary Seminary in Ceja, Antioquia, Colombia. I hope to be ordained as a Deacon in the spring after which I will return to the Rockford Diocese and continue my formation for the priesthood.