Who is Father Jairo Calderón?

"I am a Colombian priest who grew up in a town called Cota, in the heart of the country. After spending 10 years in the seminary, I was ordained in September 2016 and have been serving in the Diocese of Charleston, USA, for the past six years."

Discovering the call to priesthood

"My journey to the priesthood is deeply personal and unexpected. I didn’t grow up with faith or religion. As a soldier in Colombia, I was once invited by a lieutenant to pray the rosary. At first, I resisted—I didn’t even know what the rosary was. But out of boredom, I joined a group of soldiers in prayer. That moment sparked something inside me, lifting a sadness I had carried for years.

Soon, I began attending Mass, although it felt dull at first. But a simple prayer struck me deeply: 'Do not look upon our sins but on the faith of your Church.' It moved me that Catholics openly acknowledged their sins while still trusting in God’s mercy. Slowly, I found a deep connection with the faith.

The priest in our military camp would tell stories during Mass that felt like episodes from One Thousand and One Nights—leaving us hanging in suspense for the next part. His joy and storytelling made faith approachable and relatable. It was through those moments that I realized I wanted to embrace Catholicism fully.

After leaving the army, I completed my studies and entered the seminary, where my vocation solidified."

Why move to the United States?

"My decision to move wasn’t about rebellion but about a mission. In the United States, priests receive a salary, which is not the case in Colombia. My goal is to save enough money to build a retreat house in Colombia. This retreat house will serve as a sustainable source of income to support elderly priests in the Apostolic Vicariate of Mitú.

Priests dedicate their lives to serving others, but in their old age, they often face loneliness and financial insecurity. My dream is to create a place where they can live out their final years with dignity and care."

A leap of faith - skydiving

"I’ve only been skydiving for about a year and a half. It all started when a friend wanted to gift his brother a skydiving experience. They needed someone to join them, and I volunteered. That first jump was terrifying—I had no idea what to expect.

But I’m someone who loves challenging myself. Even though I was scared, I jumped again, and then again. Each time, I faced my fears and discovered a deep sense of freedom and trust.

Skydiving mirrors my journey of faith. Just as I had to take a leap into the unknown to grow spiritually, I must trust completely when I stand at the edge of a plane. It’s about surrendering fear and knowing that God—or the parachute—will catch you."

Balancing faith and passion

"Some people criticize me for being a priest who skydives. They expect priests to always be in church, praying on their knees. But we’re individuals with talents and personalities, called to live fully while serving God.

I’m grateful to have the support of my superiors, like Father Newman and Father Theo. When I shared my passion for skydiving, Father Newman encouraged me, saying, 'Go and be happy.' Father Theo even offered to lend me money to jump if needed.

At the skydiving zone, I feel my role as a priest more intensely. Everyone there knows I’m a priest, and they often seek me out for confession or guidance. Skydiving becomes another way to serve, to listen, and to pray."

A life of prayer and service

"My prayer life is rooted in the rosary, the first connection I had with the Church. Over the years, I’ve come to see everything I do as prayer—whether it’s celebrating Mass, cutting grass, working in my carpentry shop, or skydiving.

Prayer is constant communication with God. It’s about letting Him accompany us in all aspects of life, from the most ordinary tasks to the most thrilling leaps."

A message for vocational discernment

"To anyone discerning their vocation, I say: do not be afraid. Fear is natural, but it’s also an opportunity to grow. The journey will have challenges, but each step transforms you.

Above all, nurture a relationship with God. Talk to Him daily, as a friend. Let yourself be loved by Him, because everything flows from that love."

Words for young people

"To young people, I say: open your heart to God’s love. Let Him show you that you’re not alone. Life can feel isolating, but God’s love fills those empty spaces.

Remember, the person you are today shapes who you’ll become tomorrow. Take care of yourself and allow others to guide you. There’s always someone who believes in you. For me, it was my grandmother. For you, it could be someone else.

Adults have a responsibility to lead young people with love and compassion, not criticism. We must be examples of faith, hope, and love for the next generation."

Final invitation

"Whatever you do, invite God to be part of it. We are more than our jobs or titles. Let God take your hand and walk with you through life. He’s waiting to journey with you."