When I think back to the first time I felt called to the priesthood, I immediately remember Father Juan Ángel Ortiz. He was an elderly priest whose holiness and selfless dedication lit a spark in my heart. His life was centred on prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, and tireless service to the most vulnerable. It was Father Juan Ángel who, when I was just eight years old, first asked me directly if I wanted to become a priest. Without hesitation, I said yes.
That answer would not have been possible without the strong Christian foundation my parents, Carlos Alberto and Aurelia, gave me. I am the sixth of eight siblings, and from an early age, my parents instilled in all of us a deep love for the Catholic faith and a commitment to living the virtues. Their example and guidance laid the groundwork for my vocation and led me to enter María Inmaculada Major Seminary in Garzón, Colombia, in 2005 after a thoughtful process of discernment.
In 2011, I stepped away from the seminary to continue discerning God’s will for my life. I earned a degree in Philosophy and Religious Education from the Universidad Católica del Norte. In 2015, while considering a return to seminary formation, I met Bishop Luis Zarama and learned about the Archdiocese of Atlanta. This vibrant Catholic community became the setting for the next stage of my journey.
I continued my formation at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, where I earned a Master of Divinity, and by the grace of God, I was ordained a priest on June 27, 2020, alongside Fr. Paul Porter and Fr. Cristian Cossio. Later, I completed a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Psychotherapy from the International University of Valencia in Spain. I enjoy reading and hiking in my free time.
It is with great joy and gratitude that I begin this new chapter at Saint Bernadette Parish. I look forward to growing with all of you—in faith, in community, and in the joy of serving the Lord together.