A Dominican friar from the Canary Islands will accompany the patron saint of the islands during her visit to Santa Cruz.

33-year-old Daylos José Melo González, originally from Adeje, has been entrusted with an important task: as a Dominican from the Basilica of Candelaria, he will accompany the patron saint of the Canary Islands during her third visit to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the 21st century. The visit will last from October 11 to 24.

"I already experienced something similar in 2009 as a volunteer, but this time it's completely different," says Daylos. Now he is responsible for ensuring that "everything goes as well as possible." He is currently the parish priest of Santa Ana and the deputy prior of the sanctuary.

Father Jesús Mendoza (1944-2013) played an important role in his decision to become a priest. He was associated with Candelaria from the 1970s, became a priest in 1972, and in 1986 became the prior of the Dominican community and rector of the Basilica of Candelaria.

Father Jesús is remembered for his kindness, his help to people, especially those in need, his work in Caritas, and the Our Lady of Candelaria nursing home. In 1998, he became an honorary citizen of Candelaria.

"I always say that he was like a father to me. I was impressed by his energy in his sermons, his defense of the truth, and especially his dedication to Caritas," says Daylos.

Daylos was born in Adeje, grew up in La Salud in Santa Cruz, and was the eldest of five children. "I was not baptized as a child. There were no religious traditions in my family."

Everything changed when he was 15. A religion teacher suggested that he attend catechism during breaks. "That same day, I was baptized, received my first communion, and was confirmed." He soon joined the Brotherhood of Christ of La Laguna, where he "felt the power of faith and worship."

He initially studied at the seminary but had to leave his studies to care for his sick grandparents, combining this with evening school.

Later, thanks to the Dominicans of La Laguna, he met the Order of Preachers and the then-prior, Father Mendoza. "He was an example to me. I wanted to be a teacher and realized that I could teach from the Gospel."

He joined the Dominican Order and studied philosophy and theology for seven years in Valladolid and Valencia. "A vocation is not an escape or a fairy tale. It is a struggle, loneliness, and renunciation of something."

In 2015, he returned to the Canary Islands and was immediately assigned to the Basilica of Candelaria, which was unusual for a young monk. That same year, he became a deacon and a priest in the Basilica.

Today, as deputy prior, he is organizing the visit of the Virgin of Candelaria to Santa Cruz. "It is a great responsibility, both spiritual and organizational. The most important thing is to receive the Virgin Mary with dignity."

In times when "faith is not respected," Daylos says of himself: "I am an ordinary guy who realized that God was calling him. I am happy and grateful. A vocation is a gift, not my merit."

He hopes that the visit of the patron saint of the Canary Islands will be an impetus for believers: "I hope that it will awaken many who believe in God but do not actively show it."

Finally, Daylos remembers his mentor: "If I am here today, it is largely thanks to him. He taught me to be passionate, consistent, and always help others."

With the pride and love that Father Jesús Mendoza had for the Virgin of Candelaria, Daylos is preparing for the patron saint's visit to Santa Cruz: "It will be a historic moment."