A Peruvian priest is literally building his own church.
Father Javier Cajusol Villegas is using his own hands on the construction project in a poor area of the Diocese of Chiclayo where Pope Leo XIV served as bishop for eight years.
Father Cajusol was inspired by what he learned in a church history study program.
An American priest explained that when the Spanish first came to the Americas, they brought with them priests who were also architects and engineers who would build the churches.
WHAT PROMPTED FATHER CAJUSOL TO TAKE UP BUILDING
He told ACI Prensa, the Catholic News Agency’s Spanish-language news partner: “I got motivated when they sent me to a parish without a rectory.”
“I started the project [to build a rectory] with the bishop’s approval, and they sent me the money.”
“A worker helped me and taught me.”
“I started liking construction. I just stayed organised, served people, and when I had days off, I would spend time on this.”
“Since my brother is an architect, I would ask him a few questions,” he continued.
HE MIXES CEMENT AND LAYS BRICKS
“At first, it was difficult, but I learned how to mix cement, make surfacing materials, lay bricks, and mix aggregates,” he added.
The priest clarified that the construction work, while he enjoys it, does not take precedence over his priestly ministry, which remains fundamental in his life.
“Little by little, I have been getting better [at construction work] without neglecting my vocation.”
“So it’s a tough second job: that of a bricklayer, which requires strength and skill; and caring for the faithful,” he shared.
POPE LEO HELPED FATHER CAJUSOL WITH HIS BUILDING PROJECTS
Father Cajusol, who was ordained 28 years ago, emphasied that what is essential for him is “not to neglect caring for the faithful, administering the sacraments, pastoral care by visiting homes, and talking with the people.”
The priest, who recently turned 58 estimated that the church’s construction will take four or five years, working Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm.
“That’s unless I can see the Holy Father {Pope Leo] for help.”
“He helped me a lot with the construction of the rectory where I currently live, through an American foundation.”
HIS CHURCH IS BEING BUILT IN AN AREA NOTORIOUS FOR POVERTY AND CRIME
The place where he is now building the church and where he already celebrates Mass on Sundays, is an area with a lot of poverty and crime.
“There is a lot of contract killing, robbery, and even some dirty cops who collude with them.”
“Sometimes I admonish them,” he said.
Regarding the financing of the church, Father Cajusol explained that he relies on the help of the faithful, who also provide his daily meals, as well as the head mason and two assistants.
More contributions are needed to raise nearly A$225,000 to complete the project.
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