By Walter Sánchez Silva
ACI Prensa Staff, Feb 20, 2025 / 08:00 am
Archbishop Ramón Benito de la Rosa y Carpio, born on Sept. 19, 1939, over 85 years ago in Higüey, Dominican Republic, has dedicated his life to serving the faithful in his country.
His journey began with a prophecy from his great-grandmother at birth, foretelling that he would become a priest. Archbishop de la Rosa y Carpio recently celebrated 60 years of priesthood, reflecting on his path and expressing gratitude to those who have supported him.
He thanked his mother for instilling in him a deep faith and his father for teaching him values of responsibility and commitment. The Archbishop felt the call to priesthood at a young age and has never wavered in his dedication to God.
Reflecting on his journey, he stated, “If I were 14 years old again and if at that age I had to make a decision, I would be a priest again, I would choose the Lord as my only inheritance.”
Welcome to the Life of a Faithful Priest: Monsignor De La Rosa
“I feel completely fulfilled,” Monsignor De La Rosa emphasized as he celebrated 60 years as a priest.
On January 23, 1965, at the young age of 25, Monsignor De La Rosa was ordained a priest at the shrine of Our Lady of Altagracia by Bishop Juan Félix Pepén. Later, on January 6, 1989, at the age of 49, he was consecrated as a bishop by Pope John Paul II in Rome.
Reflecting on his journey, Monsignor De La Rosa shared, “When I look back, I feel good. I don’t know how many days, months, or years the Lord will give me among you, but every day I do pray to him and say this prayer: Lord, give me the grace to be faithful to you and to the Church until eternity.”
He continued, “On January 23, 1965, I was ordained a priest at the feet of this blessed image of Our Lady of Altagracia. Sixty years later, as one more pilgrim, I have climbed up to her altar again, located in the basilica, her home and everyone’s home.”
El 23 de enero de 1965 fui ordenado sacerdote a los pies de esta imagen bendita de la Altagracia, venerada por todo el pueblo dominicano como Madre Protectora. 60 años después, como un peregrino más, he subido de nuevo a su altar, ubicado en la Basílica, su casa y casa de todos. pic.twitter.com/UPSVv5WzHg
— Monseñor De La Rosa (@monsdelarosa1) January 24, 2025
On the occasion of his 60th anniversary as a priest, Monsignor De La Rosa shared 10 pieces of advice for all priests and those discerning a vocation:
1. God called you — never doubt it.
“First, remain sure that it was God who called you. Never doubt it,” emphasized the Dominican archbishop. “I have always been sure for 60 years that God has called me and I have never felt a temptation or thoughts contrary to this vocation. I have felt sure, I have never doubted. That is why I remain sure and I feel as happy now as I did 60 years ago with my time in the seminary.”
2. Go where you are sent.
“The second idea that occurs to me is this: Wherever they send you, go.” Embracing the Ministerial Mission: A Guide for Priests
As Archbishop De la Rosa wisely advises, it is crucial for priests to always be open to the ministerial mission and the universality of their calling. Wherever they are sent, they should go with an open heart and a willingness to serve in the universal mission of the Church.
But what else should priests keep in mind as they navigate their vocation? Here are some key insights:
1. Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Stay updated with the latest news and insights by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Don’t miss out on important updates and valuable resources that can support you in your ministry.
2. Value the powers you have received
Archbishop De la Rosa reminds us of the incredible powers that priests have been granted, particularly the power of the Eucharist. The ability to celebrate Mass and witness the transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ is a profound gift that should be cherished and respected.
Additionally, priests have the privilege of administering other sacraments, such as the anointing of the sick, which further demonstrates the importance of valuing the powers they have received.
3. Remember that there will be “envy and gossip”
As Archbishop De la Rosa cautions, priests should be prepared for envy and gossip, both within and outside the Church. It is inevitable that not everyone will speak well of them, but the focus should always be on fulfilling their ministry and serving with integrity.
4. There will be problems
It’s important to acknowledge that challenges and problems will arise in the life of a priest, but these should not be viewed as vocational issues. Rather, they are obstacles that can be overcome with prayer, reflection, and seeking solutions that align with one’s calling.
By embracing the ministerial mission, valuing the powers received, and staying grounded in faith and service, priests can navigate the complexities of their vocation with grace and purpose.
