This isn't your typical Colombian family. Out of their 9 children, four became priests and to celebrate the 25th ordination anniversary of the last priest they decided to come to Rome.
NORBEY LONDOí?O BUITRAGO
'I am very happy. Mainly because I am here with my family and with everyone...it is indescribable. What attracted you to this life?'
'I was attracted by the witness of my brothers, the witness of other priests I knew and of many people who came to our family, to our house.'
The oldest brother is Nelson. He lives in Canada and was ordained by Paul VI when he visited Colombia in 1968. The second ordained son was Noel, who is now bishop of the diocese of Jericho, Colombia. The third, Norbayro, dedicates his life to the formation of future priests.
NELSON LONDOí?O BUITRAGO
'How many years have you served as a priest? Only 46 years.'
'Not bad.'
'Yes. We are only beginning now.'
'The life of a priest is a life of consecration to God and to the service of the people. We have to understand that all professions and all walks of life are important.'
BISHOP NOEL LONDOí?O BUITRAGO
'I must say that I didn't want to be like my brother. I didn't want to be a diocesan priest, nor go to seminary in the dioceses. But when I finished elementary school, a missionary came by the school and talked about the indigenous people, he talked about going far away, he spoke about the mission and I said, 'That's for me, I'm going.' And I have been a Redemptorist missionary all my life.'
NORBAYRO LONDOí?O BUITRAGO
'I have always told the candidates that it isn't easy. There are things you have to give up and you have to realize the difficulties. But I also tell them they have the support of the people and God's blessing.'
The four brothers were present at Wednesday's general audience in St. Peter's Square with the rest of their siblings, nieces and nephews, among whom there are another two priests. The highlight of this extraordinary family reunion was when the four of them celebrated Mass with the Pope at Casa Santa Marta. A special celebration for a very unique family.
JRB
CTV/MG
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