In this new era, we can also sow hope, to walk with faith and joy. This is the legacy built in Peru by the Spanish priest,  Rafael Pascual Salustiano , who for more than 50 years accompanied the residents of the vacant lots of Lima, the city of kings, capital of the Andean country.

The Trinitarian friar sowed this legacy in the hearts of the people, as recalled by Nancy Chirre Bustamante ,  a catechist for more than four decades in this area of ​​downtown Lima, “with his briefcase in hand, Father Rafael walked the streets of this parish community every day, which he led as parish priest for 20 years.”

“He was always a light in the midst of the people, because with his actions he strengthened those who lived in sadness,” now that light accompanies him at all times, reflected the pastoral health agent, during the events that took place from December 1 to 3 in this sector, to commemorate the 107th anniversary of his birth.

A legacy of faith

More than 500 people participated in the series of activities entitled  “Christ is the Center, I am the Instrument.”   Eduardo Johnson Feliu shared how his conversion process began through reading the Holy Scriptures. This encounter, which changed his life, was guided by Father Rafael, a priest who demonstrated a special vocation for the liturgy. “He taught me to love the Eucharist,” he shared during the discussion  “Memories of Father Rafael.”

The preferential option for the poor lived in the heart of Father Rafael, as explained by Oswaldo Arias, animator and guide of the Trinitarian laity. Father Rafael’s life is a gift to the Trinitarian community. His dedication to God is reflected in his virtues and actions, especially in attending to the needs of the most vulnerable.

During the conference entitled  “Experiences of God in Father Rafael,”  held in the auditorium of the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Arias reaffirmed the Trinitarian missionary’s actions and love for the vulnerable. Indeed, his actions demonstrated his preferential option for the poor.

The path of love towards the poor fosters a path of hope.

The book  “Father Rafael, a Trinitarian apostle for Lima”  written by the Trinitarian missionary, Ángel García Rodríguez, documents the work and mission of the religious man, with whom he lived for 20 years during his priestly formation.

In the presentation of this testimonial work, the minister of the house of the Trinitarian Order in Peru, the religious José Miguel Marengo highlighted how the experiences and work of Father Rafael remain alive in the hearts of all those he visited in their homes, on foot, “he didn’t care about the distances, he wanted to go walking.”

At the close of these days, the Auxiliary Bishop of Lima, Monsignor Juan José Salaverry, expressed his gratitude for the invitation to convey, on behalf of the Church of Lima, a word of thanks for Father Rafael as  a symbol of building a kingdom of hope and communion .  “I have seen Father Rafael’s presence, walking the streets with his briefcase; I am certain that briefcase was filled with hope to share with many people.”

During his homily, he highlighted his arrival in South America as an immigrant to accompany his family. He also spoke of the courage of an evangelical man who bore witness to God’s love through his life. He expressed his desire to be a priest, missionary, and Trinitarian.

The Dominican missionary also praised the beginnings of the Trinitarian friars in Peru, as well as the communion they shared with the Trinitarian nuns, in supporting this community that honors the Trinity. “Father Rafael strengthened the foundations of the Trinitarian Order with his evangelical and personal witness, contributing to the Church of Lima.”