His missionary desire and the desire to serve that he already manifested in his homeland, Spain, found correspondence when the then Provincial of Peru, Fr Jorge Sosa, passing through Spain in 1975, invited him to his country. Fr Iraola arrived there on 23 January 1976 and settled in the Provincial House in Breña, Lima. From here he alternated community life with periods of study of philosophy and theology at the Juan XXIII Higher Institute of Theological Studies in Lima, from 1976-1978.
Over these years he was able to develop an intense pastoral activity among young workers on the outskirts of downtown Lima; he was also assigned to the Salesian Catechetical Centre (between 1979-1983) directed by Fr Ennio Leonardi. During those years he carried out an intense catechetical activity and promoted meetings between the EJE and ESCOGE youth groups, which mobilised many young people from Lima and various parts of Peru to embark on processes of vocational discernment, with the aim of living their Christian vocation intensely and discovering their own life project.
As a priest, after the short period spent in Magdalena del Mar and Callao, he dedicated himself to pastoral animation: in Arequipa, for five years, he was a witness of tireless zeal, contagious joy and hard work alongside young people. Fr Iraola loved Peru, his missionary homeland, identified with its history and was aware of its strengths and challenges; he asked for and obtained Peruvian citizenship.
At the age of 63, in 1991, he was assigned to Piura. His apostolic fervour was further consolidated. Students, collaborators, teachers and parents of Don Bosco school still remember him with affection. As Rector of the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians in Piura, he helped to increase and keep alive the Marian affection characteristic of the city. Constantly available to hear confessions, he fed his parishioners with well-groomed homilies and creatively directed the weekly "La Campanilla", founded by Bishop and Venerable Octavio Ortiz Arrieta.
For a long time he accompanied various groups of the Salesian Family, encouraging them in formation, witness and apostolate. He also began the "Camino" group with young people; together with them and with groups of the Salesian Family he went to the outskirts of Piura founding Oratories and gathering small Christian communities. Always optimistic, always fraternal, he spread confidence and serenity.
His poor health and the strong storms that hit Piura in 2017 led him to move to Lima. There too he continued, in the last months of his life, to offer a brotherly approach, warmth and the precious gift of his ministry.
That is why now, in an atmosphere of celebration and gratitude, young people, families and members of the Salesian Family in Piura are eager to welcome his mortal remains as they return "home". They will arrive at their final destination after a small pilgrimage beforehand from Saturday 16 to Monday 18 September.
"Fr Casimiro's dedication and commitment have been fundamental in helping many young people find their way and grow in faith. Therefore today more than ever we remember his kindness and affection, a source of inspiration for many of us" "La Campanilla" writes this month.
