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I was born in Homun, in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, 30 miles from Merida, the capital of the Yucatan State.  My family has been catholic ever since I remember, my Father’s Family were immigrants from Lebanon and Cuba and from my mother’s side Spanish and Mayan but more Mayan than Spanish.

Under the guidance of my God-Father and Pastor, Father Eduardo Pacheco, I was encouraged to learn French, and at the of 15 and immature I didn’t like it at all. I decided to learn Italian better than French and that is how my love for this culture started, first learning through music and art and then, through grammar and vocabulary.

I never realized that the greatest hits in Mexico, were mostly translations from Italian like Maledetta Primavera, Bella Signora, and many other songs from Nicola di Bari, Lucio Dalla, Marco Rancatti, Gianni Morandi, Fiordaliso, etc… It was exciting to know that most of the songs that I learned growing up were originally from Italian composers and singers. I love it!

Years after, I decided to take Italian as my second Language in the Pontifical University of Mexico, while studying Philosophy as part of my priestly formation. Who would guess that I will end up being send to Rome, to complete my theological studies.

Two weeks after arriving at the general house of the Theatine Fathers, The Sant´Andrea della Valle Basilica, in the heart of Rome. Father Antonio and I were sent to the Vatican to take some blessings at the Elemosineria Apostolica, which is an agency on the left wing of the Vatican City. Somehow, we ended up at the general audience with Pope St. John Paul II, to my surprise the first face I saw going through the hundreds of People there, was Bishop Arthur N. Tafoya´s face, (may He rest in peace) It was like if a little piece of the States and Colorado was right there in his smile with Sister Andrea Vazquez, and I must be honest, I cried while hugging Bishop.

That was also like a good message telling me that everything was going to be not only good but great.

It was hard to say goodbye to Bishop Tafoya and return to my house and start my formation at the Gregorian University in Rome.

Years after we had the opportunity to attend the funeral of St. John Paul II, with my classmates and thousands of people gathered in Rome.

As part of The Theatine International College, we had the chance once a year to serve during any of the solemnities available at the Vatican, we had to be super sharp and shaved, which I did not follow, Pope Benedict made note of my goatee with the motion of his finger around it and asked me ¨what is that?¨ A little after he shook his head looking at me because I was so engrossed and excited in watching him, that I didn’t notice the thurible with lit charcoal next to my hand that I had to shake after feeling the heat of the thurible.

To experience the “Eternal City” was a good way to deepen into the Italian culture with its particular Romanity that Church life has. Rome, Italy, the heart of faith and culture!

Fr. Tomas is Pastor for Holy Family Parish in Pueblo, Colorado