In a somber announcement, the Diocese of Zamora has confirmed the passing of Javier Prieto Prieto, a newly ordained priest who died unexpectedly at the age of 38. Prieto was ordained on February 22, 2025, marking a brief yet impactful journey in his priestly ministry.
Javier Prieto was born in Fuentesaúco, a small town in the province of Zamora. He spent significant parts of his childhood and youth outside the province, living in Santiago de Compostela and later in Madrid. During his time in Madrid, he pursued higher education, earning degrees in Law and Business Administration from 2004 to 2010. His passion for cultural heritage led him to Salamanca, where he completed a master's degree in Cultural Heritage, which ultimately drew him back to his homeland.
According to the Diocese of Zamora, Prieto's commitment to pastoral service was deeply rooted in his personal and vocational history. He began his close connection with diocesan life during the 2010/11 academic year, engaging with the youth cofradía and participating in initiatives leading up to the World Youth Day in Madrid.
Despite a successful career in financial consulting, which he returned to in 2014, Prieto felt a strong calling to serve the Church. This led him to formally begin a process of vocational discernment, culminating in his enrollment at the Major Seminary of Zamora. His theological training took place at the Pontifical University of Salamanca and the Theological School of Ávila, where he integrated into various parish communities, exercising his pastoral duties as a seminarian in places like San Lorenzo in the capital, and rural parishes surrounding Sanzoles and Fuentespreadas.
After completing his studies in 2021, Prieto took on the role of a formator at the Minor Seminary. In January 2022, he began his pastoral work in the Aliste region while simultaneously pursuing a degree in Dogmatic Theology at the UPSA. He was ordained as a deacon on March 11, 2023, by Bishop Fernando Valera in his hometown parish. During his diaconate, he served in Aliste and worked in several educational institutions, including the Corazón de María Schools, San Vicente de Benavente, and Amor de Dios in Toro.
In September 2024, Prieto began his priestly ministry in the parishes of Toro and its Alfoz. His first Eucharist as a priest was celebrated in Fuentesaúco, surrounded by family and friends, marking a significant moment in his life. Recently, he had taken on responsibilities in diocesan communication, contributing to the Church's outreach efforts.
The news of his passing has left a profound impact on both ecclesiastical and cultural circles in Zamora, where he was a beloved figure. The Diocese of Zamora expressed its sorrow, stating, "His unexpected departure leaves us with a testimony of mature faith, cultivated in the everyday; a vocation woven between commitment, intellectual pursuit, a passion for culture, and love for the Church."
The funeral arrangements for Javier Prieto have been announced. His body will arrive at the Collegiate Church of Toro on the evening of May 7, 2025, around 10:30 PM, and will be open for viewing for about an hour. The chapel will reopen at 10 AM on May 8, 2025, ahead of the funeral mass, which will take place at 6 PM in the Collegiate Church.
Local authorities, including the City Council of Toro, have expressed their condolences, stating, "In these moments of sorrow, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and parish community." The community mourns the loss of a dedicated servant of God whose life was characterized by a commitment to faith and service.
As the Diocese and the community prepare to bid farewell to Javier Prieto, they reflect on his journey—a path marked by dedication, passion, and a deep love for the Church and its mission. His life, though short, serves as an inspiration, reminding many of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.
Javier Prieto's legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those he touched during his brief yet meaningful ministry. As the community gathers to honor his memory, they are united in their hope that he rests in peace, embraced by the love of God.
