Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dec 9, 2010 / 12:04 pm
Twin brothers from Parana, Argentina are preparing to celebrate a combined 100 years of priestly service.
The friends and family of Fathers Cesar and Raul Molaro are planning celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the twin brothers' ordination.
The AICA news agency reported that Catholics in Parana “will celebrate this unique event on Friday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. with a Mass at the parish of St. Joseph the Worker, followed by a banquet at the parish hall.”
Both priests said they discovered their vocations at a young age. They explained that they were both inspired by the dedication of a German priest they described as “selfless, dedicated, generous and always joyful.”
The twin priests emphasized that family is very important in the life of a priest. Fr. Raul recalled how their parents, who were simple and humble people, suffered greatly over the deaths of two daughters who died before the priests were born. “Later on, after our ordination, we learned that in the midst of her tremendous suffering, our mother said, ‘If God sends me sons I will consecrate them to the priesthood’,” Fr. Raul said.
Fr. Cesar noted that despite her promise, “It was very difficult for my mother to let us go to the seminary.” However, “on the day of our ordination, she wept with great emotion during the entire ceremony ... and was proud of her two priest sons.
“I thought about how much our parents and siblings helped us to be faithful to the priestly ministry with their prayers and support,” he continued. “I have always believed that the family is essential for fidelity and perseverance in the ministry.”
“To be a priest is to discover the love of Jesus and his call to follow and work with him so that others can know and love him,” Fr. Raul said. “It means trying to identify with Jesus as priest and pastor in service of the Church,” he continued.
“To be a priest is a grace, a call from God,” his brother added. “It is a participation in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, and for this reason the priest can work in the person of Christ as the head, as he receives a special consecration and is more profoundly configured to Christ the priest.”