Father Francisco Mateos, L.C., originally from Salamanca, Spain, celebrated his 50 years of priestly life on December 24th. He was born in 1945 into a simple family, and his childhood was spent in a playful environment. His family, although Catholic, did not practice religion regularly. His father fell ill when Father Mateos was 8 years old, and thanks to the testimony of the nuns who cared for him, he asked to receive the sacraments. His mother was a woman of faith, certainly, and gradually drew closer to God; in the last 30 or 40 years, she was almost attending Mass daily. Father Mateos’s life took a significant turn at age 11, when after a talk by a Legionary priest at his school, he heard for the first time the invitation to the priesthood. And he thought to himself: “And why not me?” From that moment – says the father – he never doubted the divine call but instead delved more and more into the love and mercy that the call to the priesthood within the Legion entails.

The Office of Communication of the Northern Territory of Mexico took the opportunity to interview Father Francisco about various aspects of his life, especially those related to divine mercy and the gift of the priesthood.

Celebration of Father Francisco Mateos, L.C.’s 50 Years of Priesthood, a Testimony of Dedication and Reflection on Divine Mercy and the Gift of the Priesthood