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year for priests: fr. higuera ordained at 42

For irrational reasons known only to nature, my soul could not sense the call to the priesthood early in life. I entered seminary at the Sacred Heart School of Theology in Milwaukee, Wis., when I was 36 years old. After high school when I was 17, to the age of 28, no foot of mine was placed in church. The Vatican Council had gone by without me noticing it. When I came back to the church the Mass was in English; expecting Latin, I chuckled at my stupidity, thinking I had gone to an Anglican or Lutheran church.

Naturally, I walked out of there as soon as possible for fear of falling into hell entering a Protestant church (such were the times). But no, to my astonishment it was in a Roman Catholic Church.

After my confession, I reconciled with the church and hanging on shreds of faith I examined my life and found it miserable and empty. Changing for the better became a survival imperative. So, I asked a simple question: “Which is the most noble and satisfying activity for the human being?” The answer was also simple: to love God and serve him full- hearted. Therefore, I made the decision to serve the church where the need was the greatest.

After inquiry, it became obvious that the greatest need was for priests. I had not imagined becoming a priest. At the time, I was practically engaged to a woman I loved and liked. Consulting the matter with my family, I was convinced that serving God as a married man would work just as well. As a result, we decided to formalize the relationship and move towards marriage. From then on, a wonderful relationship turned extremely painful and hellish. I was hurt, confused, and desperate. Then one night in a dream, I heard God telling me to end the relationship, and when I woke up I knew the relationship was over.

Not knowing what to do next, wanting to inquire further into the need of the church for priests, I went to talk to the vocational director of the Diocese of Cleveland.

It was suggested that I should enter seminary and leave the discernment of my vocation to the priests in charge of such matters. I was extremely unsure of my vocation to the priesthood. Six months later, I knew the priesthood was my vocation; the rest is history. I was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1982, at the age of 42. If I knew of anything better than to serve the church where the greatest need is I would not be a priest.