The more the bishop talked, the more I understood why everyone in the diocese saw him as a hero to the poor and considered it a privilege to serve with him.
In his early years as a priest, he often traveled by mule to remote communities just to spend time with the village families. They began to call him “el obsipo de mochila” — the backpack bishop. On these visits, he would share their simple meals, sleep on their floors, listen to their needs and earn their trust.
Today, at age 76, Bishop Grullón Estrella travels by truck instead of a beast of burden — but he still makes it a priority to go out to these communities and serve them face-to-face. Bishop Grullón Estrella makes it clear these visits aren’t merely acts of charity. His mission to the poor is an expression of faith. As Christ is our advocate, we must advocate for those less fortunate than ourselves, he explains. Living the Gospel means loving our neighbor.