From Prodigal to Priest

For eight years, Goyo Hidalgo struggled with excess, agony, and dread. His surprise salvation began with a rough night of partying in Los Angeles and a life-changing message from his television.

That April morning, he awoke to the broadcast of Pope John Paul II's burial Mass. A contemplation on the now-saint's message of "Be not afraid" reawakened a profound need in Hidalgo's spirit, leading him back to his childhood Catholic faith and, eventually, to the priesthood.

Hidalgo's road of reconciliation with his religion and his family is chronicled in From Prodigal to Priest. He consoles individuals who feel they are unforgivable and tells them that Jesus is always waiting to welcome them back to the Church. Hidalgo's conversion story demonstrates the power of God's compassion and the profound change that his grace can bring.

Hidalgo was raised in a tiny village in Spain in a devout Catholic household. As a young man, he enrolled in a modest seminary to begin his studies to become a priest, but he dropped out after roughly five years. He abandoned his religion after college and continually lied to his mother about it. Hidalgo's aim was to tour the globe and educate while escaping poverty.

With Jesus' parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) as your guide, you will walk alongside Hidalgo as he returns to the Catholic faith of his childhood—confessing to his mother, relearning how to pray, going to Confession, telling his friends about his reversion, and his call to the priesthood. You will also learn that it is important to pray, discern, trust, and praise God regardless of the result.

Prayers are included in each chapter for both prodigal sons and daughters, as well as those who accompany them.