The twin priests emphasized that family is very important in the life of a priest. Fr. Raul recalled how their parents, who were simple and humble people, suffered greatly over the deaths of two daughters who died before the priests were born. “Later on, after our ordination, we learned that in the midst of her tremendous suffering, our mother said, ‘If God sends me sons I will consecrate them to the priesthood’,” Fr. Raul said.
Fr. Cesar noted that despite her promise, “It was very difficult for my mother to let us go to the seminary.” However, “on the day of our ordination, she wept with great emotion during the entire ceremony ... and was proud of her two priest sons.
“I thought about how much our parents and siblings helped us to be faithful to the priestly ministry with their prayers and support,” he continued. “I have always believed that the family is essential for fidelity and perseverance in the ministry.”
“To be a priest is to discover the love of Jesus and his call to follow and work with him so that others can know and love him,” Fr. Raul said. “It means trying to identify with Jesus as priest and pastor in service of the Church,” he continued.
“To be a priest is a grace, a call from God,” his brother added. “It is a participation in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, and for this reason the priest can work in the person of Christ as the head, as he receives a special consecration and is more profoundly configured to Christ the priest.”
