Hearing and Trusting in the Voice of God: Father Alejandro Espejo

Father Alejandro Espejo’s story begins in Mérida, Mexico, where he grew up in a family that wasn’t initially rooted in the Catholic faith. Though baptized just days after his birth thanks to a devoted uncle, regular Mass attendance wasn’t part of the family’s routine. That began to change when his mother enrolled him in a Catholic school run by the Legionaries of Christ. Little did she know this decision would profoundly shape his life and eventually lead him to the priesthood.

As a teenager, Father Alejandro participated in youth groups, where he first encountered the joy of service and friendship with Jesus. It was during Holy Week missions at age 15 that his life took a dramatic turn. Tasked with visiting families in a mountainous region of Veracruz, the grueling trek left him exhausted yet deeply fulfilled. On Holy Thursday, during adoration, he heard an inner voice that would echo in his heart for years: “Go into the deep.” This invitation planted the seed of a priestly vocation.

The Call to Dive Deeper

Despite the stirring moment, Father Alejandro didn’t immediately embrace the idea of priesthood. He struggled with doubts about his worthiness, concerns about the perceived monotony of seminary life, and the allure of engineering—a family tradition. Encouraged by his parents to finish high school first, he spent five years wrestling with God’s call. During this time, subtle yet undeniable signs continued to emerge, such as an inexplicable joy during his mission work and well as serving during the celebration of the Mass.

Even as he wrestled and doubted, the vocation call pursued him incessantly. “Every time I opened the Bible,” Father Alejandro recalls, “I seemed to hear the same message: ‘Come and follow me.’”

A Year of Service and Transformation

Determined to give back to God for the blessings in his life, Father Alejandro decided to dedicate a year to ministry as a co-worker with Regnum Christi. He was sent to Germany, where he worked on logistical preparations for World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne. Living with priests and seminarians profoundly changed his perception of priesthood. He witnessed their joy, camaraderie, and deep spiritual life, which contrasted starkly with his earlier misconceptions.

His time in Germany also allowed him to see seminary life firsthand. “To see the priest how they live, with how much charity they treated each other, while still having a lot of fun. One of the priests had a very great sense of humor and we were always making jokes. So that changed me in a way that I saw the priesthood. ” he recalls. “It made me think, ‘I could live like this.’”

Embracing the Vocation

By the end of his co-worker year, Father Alejandro could no longer deny the persistent call in his heart. A pivotal moment during a spiritual retreat solidified his decision: “I told God, ‘If You are calling me, I will try.’” Despite lingering doubts about his suitability, he entered formation with the Legionaries of Christ. Over a decade of seminary training refined his understanding of God’s mercy and the transformative power of His call.

The Joy of Priesthood

Now serving in Frankfurt, Germany, Father Alejandro embraces a vibrant priestly ministry that reflects his passions and talents. Whether hosting young adult prayer circles, celebrating Sacraments for the Ursuline sisters, or leading retreats, his focus is on guiding others to encounter Christ.

A skilled photographer, he also uses his camera to capture the beauty of religious life and share glimpses of priestly ministry on social media. “God has given me this gift, and I want to use it for His kingdom,” he says.

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Perhaps his greatest joy comes from his work as a confessor and spiritual director. Having experienced the healing power of reconciliation himself, he now seeks to offer that same grace to others. “Confession is where God shows His greatest mercy,” he explains. “It’s a privilege to help others experience that freedom.”

A Life of Service and Sacrifice

Father Alejandro’s journey from the mountains of Veracruz to the streets of Frankfurt is a testament to God’s patient and persistent call. His story reminds us that God often speaks through subtle joys, quiet reflections, and transformative experiences. “The world says happiness is found in success or comfort,” he says. “But true joy comes from following Christ—even into the deep.”

Through his ministry, Father Alejandro inspires others to listen for God’s voice and take the leap of faith into the unknown, trusting that He will provide everything needed along the way.