Florida Catholic | The Architect: Father Cesar Peña

MULTIMEDIA SPECIAL: Six New Priests: In their own words

ANA RODRIGUEZ–SOTO | FC

The Architect

Father Cesar Peña, studied architecture to obey his father’s desire that he have a career before entering the seminary.

ANA RODRIGUEZ–SOTO | FLORIDA CATHOLIC MIAMI BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 05.16.08

MIAMI | Father Cesar Peña said he first felt the call at 15, while preparing for confirmation in his native Bogotá, Colombia. “But my dad suggested (that I) study something else.”

“I think he was afraid that this probably is not for me,” said the 34-year-old. Luis Peña envisioned his son leaving the seminary after a couple of years and having to teach philosophy and religion for a living.

Architecture seemed like an easy enough career to pursue, Father Peña said. “I like to make drawings, to design … I passed his test.”

His father is happy for him now, as is his mother, Myriam Perez.

“Since his first year (studying architecture) he told me he was going to become a priest,” she said.

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