There are people whose very presence lights up the path of others.
Santiago “Santi” Jiménez was one of those souls —transparent, joyful, and full of faith— who showed the gentle face of God in everyday life.
A long-time leader of the Cursillo Movement in Madrid and a much-loved teacher at San Ignacio de Loyola School in Torrelodones, Santi lived just as he spoke: with humor, generosity, and a heart rooted in Christ.
In his classroom, at Cursillos, and in every encounter, he always had a kind word, an encouraging smile, and a look that made everyone feel precious in God’s eyes.
When Faith Becomes Community
The day Santi collapsed in class, something greater than sorrow began to rise —an immense wave of prayer.
From the school, from Cursillo groups, from parishes and homes, hundreds of people united in one voice before God. The rosary, the Eucharist, and adoration became songs of trust, reminding everyone that shared faith can sustain hope even in the darkest night.
And though Santi eventually went home to the Father, his family and friends gave a testimony of peace that could only come from heaven.
His son, with disarming faith, expressed it perfectly:
“The miracle has already happened. The miracle is being able to face this with peace, knowing that life is only a step toward our true goal: eternal life.”
The Fruitfulness of a Life Given in Love
Even at the end, Santi continued to evangelize. His family asked that, instead of flowers, donations be offered as scholarships for Cursillos and retreats, so that no one would miss the chance to encounter Christ.
That gesture says it all —a life poured out in love continues to bear fruit beyond time and death.
Today, those of us who shared his journey in the Cursillo Movement feel deep gratitude and renewed hope. Because Santi hasn’t left us —he walks with us now from heaven, encouraging us to live joyfully, to trust in the Lord, and to proclaim with our lives that a Christian never truly dies, they simply change homes.
Living “De Colores,” Like Santi
His witness reminds us of the Cursillo ideal: bringing the Gospel to our daily environments with simplicity, humor, and love.
To remember Santi is to remember that holiness is not distant, but woven into the ordinary —in classrooms, in friendship, in community, and in service.
Thank you, Santi, for showing us with your life and your passing that it is always worth believing, loving, and living “De Colores.”
Your joy remains a mission.
Your example, a guide.
Your life, the Gospel made visible.
¡De Colores, dear friend! 🌈
