Father Juan Zuniga is originally from Mexico City. At a young age, while seeking a better economic future, he discovered something far greater, a treasure he never expected to find: the gift of Franciscan spirituality at a parish in North Carolina. As he discerned God’s call to this vocation, he began a formative journey rooted in his own culture and language.

He completed the first stage of his formation in Mexico. Later, as a deacon, he was sent to San Antonio, Texas, to study English, and after finishing the course, he continued his theological studies there.

Father Zuniga was ordained a priest at the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. From the beginning, however, his desire was to return to the United States to serve communities where bilingual ministry is essential, allowing him to reach both Hispanic and Anglo populations.

He was assigned as a vicar to a parish community in El Paso, Texas, where he now lives and ministers within the unique border between Mexico and the United States. It is a culturally rich region that includes the Tigua Indigenous community. In addition to many sacramental responsibilities, there is a profound need for spiritual accompaniment which he has discovered to be at the very heart of his ministry.