From Cultural Catholicism to a Joyful Priesthood: The Journey of Fr. Bernabé Rico

In the latest episode of Life of a Priest, Allie Moroney welcomes Fr. Bernabé Rico, a diocesan priest from the Archdiocese of Madrid, Spain.

A British Accent in Madrid?

One of the first things you'll notice about Fr. Bernabé is his unmistakable British accent. Naturally, Allie had to ask how a Spanish priest from Madrid sounds like he just stepped out of London! The answer? Fr. Bernabé grew up in Elda, Alicante, where he attended an English academy that strictly enforced speaking with a British accent—so much so that students had to pay fines if they didn’t comply! Though he’s never lived in the UK, God has blessed him with the ability to communicate and now minister in English.

A Childhood of Cultural Catholicism

Fr. Bernabé’s upbringing was in a traditionally Catholic family, but not a practicing one. He was baptized and made his First Communion, but Mass wasn’t a regular part of his family’s life, and he didn’t learn basic prayers like the Hail Mary until he was 18. Despite this, he never harbored negative feelings about the Church or God. He saw God more as a distant protector than a personal Father, but that would soon change.

The Turning Point: Philosophy and Family Struggles

At 15 or 16, Fr. Bernabé began to take life more seriously. He developed a love for philosophy and literature, reading thinkers like Kafka and Unamuno, which stirred deeper questions about life’s meaning. Around the same time, his family faced a significant crisis that left him searching for love, stability, and purpose.

While his friends offered easy solutions, Fr. Bernabé longed for something deeper. He found himself drawn to his parish, even though the congregation was mostly elderly women. It was in this unlikely setting that he felt the tender embrace of God for the first time. Despite not fitting in with the crowd, he felt at home in God’s presence.

From University Dreams to the Seminary

Fr. Bernabé pursued philosophy and political science at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, hoping to become a professor. But as he delved deeper into philosophy, he realized that even his greatest passion couldn’t fully satisfy his heart. The search for truth in philosophy led him to the ultimate Truth: Jesus Christ.

His professors, many of whom were Catholic, helped him see that faith and reason were not opposed but complementary. As he grew in faith, attending daily Mass and praying the Liturgy of the Hours, he began to sense that God was calling him to something more.

At first, Fr. Bernabé resisted. He wanted to finish his studies and follow his original plans. But God, in His tenderness, waited patiently. When the time was right, Fr. Bernabé finally said, “Yes, Lord, I give you my whole life.”

A Joyful Priesthood in Madrid

Today, Fr. Bernabé serves as the parochial vicar at San Clemente Romano parish in Madrid. He describes his priesthood as an adventure—not because of the extraordinary things he does, but because of the love with which he does them.

When he arrived at his parish, there was little community life, but through hard work and the grace of God, the parish has grown significantly, especially among young people. Fr. Bernabé works closely with LifeTeen and other evangelization initiatives, witnessing firsthand how God is at work in His people.

Advice for Discerners: Say Yes!

For young men discerning the priesthood, Fr. Bernabé has simple but profound advice: “Just say yes.” He acknowledges that the priesthood can be challenging, but it’s an adventure filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment. Saying “yes” to God leads to a life beyond what we can imagine—a life rooted in love and service.

God's Tenderness in Every Story

Fr. Bernabé’s journey reminds us that God’s love is patient, tender, and relentless. Whether we come from a deeply religious family or a culturally Catholic one, God meets us where we are and calls us to more. His story is a powerful testimony of how even the most unexpected paths can lead to profound joy and fulfillment in Christ.

If you’re looking for inspiration or discerning your own vocation, you won’t want to miss this episode of Life of a Priest. 🎧

Listen now on the Tabella App and let Fr. Bernabé’s story encourage you to say your own “yes” to God.