I was invited to the Magic Castle in 2005. I asked myself how these magicians were doing all these tricks.  If you have been in the Magic Castle http://www.magiccastle.com/  If you have attended a Magic show, the same question would come to your mind: How did he do that?  My first contact with the surreal … Continue reading Learning Magic for a Reason

The first time I visited Mexico City was in 2000.  I was a missionary in my early twenties and there was always something from Mexico that always attracted me.  I did not know what it was, I just knew in my heart that there it was something special. There were neither the enchiladas nor the sopes … Continue reading My Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Last time I was writing about the negative events that emerged in our community: suicide.  This time is the moment for me to talk about the positive aspects of our youth and those who want to be the best version of themselves by learning from the Lord and by serving Him.  Tomorrow is the kickoff … Continue reading What is Going Right with Our Youth?

In the light of the sad news related suicide, I want to speak out about it.  Last month, four of our own youth took their lives in just two weeks in the city of Rancho Cucamonga. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rancho-cucamonga-suicides-20180823-story.html As a priest, I am in pain because this is happening in our neighborhood.  As a shepherd, I have … Continue reading What is wrong with our Youth?

Going for a long vacation to recover after a loss of my dad was a great gift from God. My project for summer vacation was doing nothing and watch most of the games of the World Cup Russia 2018.  Certainly, that project did not come to fruition.  The Lord had other plans for me.  I … Continue reading An Inspiration from the Lord: Exercising my Soul while on Vacation

One of the things that priests have to deal with is criticism.  This criticism could be well-intentioned (constructive) or without any purpose (destructive).  Some people like to talk behind the back of others and are not able to bring to a conversation something that is distressing.  As a priest, I received any kind of criticism with love and understanding, even if I … Continue reading A Hard Gospel Vs A Soft Gospel

Easter Sunday is all about the Resurrection of the Lord.  We are rejoicing and full of gladness because, by the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesuschrist, we are saved.  The Resurrection of Christ is a turning point in the history of salvation.  We are immersed in this joyous time of the year.  This … Continue reading About Easter Sunday, the Purgatory and other Current Events

If you have asked yourself lately: Why Fr. Juan has not written anything on his blog? the answer is: because I am in the grieving process.  I lost my dad about a month ago and that change the dynamics of my life as a newly ordained priest.  I am grateful that my dad was able to … Continue reading Grieving and Growing

Probably, you were wondering where has been the Priest of the Missing Backpack (still looking for his backpack?) or maybe you were very busy doing so many things for your family during the Christmas and New Year season that you did not have time to read... Well, actually I was so busy enjoying time with my … Continue reading A Short Break, a Thousand Stories