From IBM Employee to Priest: A Life Shaped by Papal Visits
Father Carlos Ramos reflects on his spiritual journey during the visit of Pope Leo XIV.
1A Dual Papal Experience
Father Carlos Ramos, 64, experienced a profound personal connection during the visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Cottolengo Don Orione institution. This event mirrors his youth in 1987, when he chased Pope John Paul II through Buenos Aires while working as a data processor at IBM, marking a significant spiritual evolution.
2Corporate Roots to Priesthood
Before dedicating his life to the church, Ramos spent nine years at IBM. His colleagues were surprised when he left his corporate role to become a priest, though they were aware of his long-standing commitment to parish retreats. This transition represents a shift from data processing to addressing human, spiritual needs.
3Social Assistance and Pharmacy
As the priest of San Alberto Magno parish in Lomas de Zamora, Ramos balances spiritual guidance with social aid. He supports 70 to 80 families, with 30 individuals living within the parish. His ministry now includes operating small pharmacies to provide essential medication to those struggling with rising costs and limited access.
4Symbolism of the Cottolengo
Ramos emphasizes that the Pope’s choice to visit the Cottolengo institution is highly symbolic. He views the facility as a place for those living on the margins of society. By visiting, the Pope brings attention to the human dignity of residents who are often overlooked or treated as mere institutional deposits.
5Faith in Modern Society
While acknowledging a potential decline in traditional faith compared to the 1987 visit, Ramos observes a growing hunger for spirituality. He believes people are searching for something deeper that modern society fails to provide. His work aims to fill this void by fostering community support and emotional assistance for the vulnerable.
6Community Mobilization Efforts
Ramos arrived at the event with a group of 140 parishioners and a one-meter wooden Virgin statue. The group, including young volunteers like 11-year-old Noah, spent hours in a vigil starting at 4:00 AM. They prepared handmade banners and gifts, hoping to establish a direct connection with the visiting Pontiff.
7The Challenge of Assistance
Maura Barrientos, a volunteer from Cáritas, notes that material resources are increasingly scarce, with fewer donations and less merchandise available. Consequently, the parish has shifted its focus toward emotional support. Despite the lack of physical supplies, the team remains dedicated to providing comfort to those in need within their community.
8Lasting Impact of Visits
The visit of Pope Leo XIV serves as a catalyst for reflection within the Argentine community. For Father Carlos, the event is not just a ceremonial occasion but a call to awaken hearts. It reinforces his commitment to serving the marginalized and maintaining the spiritual bonds he has cultivated over decades.
Original article: Clarín — From IBM Employee to Priest: A Life Shaped by Papal Visits