Fr. Rafael Becerra González
Fr. Rafael Becerra González left the path to marriage and worldly influence to follow God's call to the priesthood.
Fr. Rafael Becerra González, originally from Tepatitlán, Jalisco, México, is the 7th child in a family of 10 children -- including his twin sister. At the age of 18 years old, he began pursuing a vocation as a committed layman, studying international business, philosophy and letters, a master’s degree in politics and public management.
He worked in government for about ten years; first as the Founder & Director of the Institute for Youth in his hometown, then in the Youth Institute of the State, and then in the governor's office in the Department of Citizen Participation. He also founded a young adult pro-life movement.
Engaged to be married, he finally felt the call from God to be a priest at 31 years old. Leaving his original plans behind, he studied first at San Juan de los Lagos Seminary for four years. Then, sensing a new call from God to come to the United States, he joined the Archdiocese of San Antonio in 2019.
Father Rafa's wide-ranging ministry experience has included founding a Guadalupan Institute at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Helotes, where he currently serves as pastor, accompanying parishioners in their daily joys and challenges. His special formation includes a diploma in thanatology - the study of the process of death and bereavement.
He has a special devotion to the Mexican martyrs, especially layman and attorney Blessed Anacleto González Flores, about whom he wrote and hosted an EWTN series.
Please join us in praying for Fr. Rafael as he prepares his presentation on finding strength and healing in challenging situations.
