Meet Fr. Danilo Galang, M.S.

Fr. Danilo Galang, M.S., Pastor, St. Theresa’s Parish, Kekaha, Hawaii

Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Ramon, Isabela, in the northern part of the Philippines. I come from a Catholic family of eight children—five boys and three girls. I am the fifth child and our six child, a boy, is deceased. It is a very small town composed of eighteen villages. Most of the people are farmers, although some are professionals. My father, Carlito, recently deceased, worked for the National Irrigation Administration as a driver. My mother for many years managed our family business, selling produce.

How did you first hear about La Salette?
In our town there are only two schools—one of them is owned and run by the La Salette Missionaries. Apparently the bishop of our diocese invited the La Salette Missionaries to found and manage a high school in our town, some seven hours drive from Manila. I graduated from that school in March of 1984.

La Salette High School of Ramon, which Fr. Danilo attended

I spent my high school life as a working student, living with the La Salette Fathers, including Fr. Conrad Blanchet, one of the pioneers of La Salette in the Philippines. He was very direct, a kind, caring and loving priest and inspired me to join the La Salettes.

My studies were in the high school, La Salette of Ramon, and all my expenses were paid by the La Salettes. Living with some of the community members inspired me to respond to the call of Our Lady to join her community. I loved the way they lived their religious life and carried out the mission entrusted to them. I loved the way they related with people—very understanding and approachable priests and brothers.

After two years of college, I joined the La Salette College Seminary in Santiago, Isabela, just 8 kilometers from my hometown. I later continued my studies on the Shrine Property in Silang, Cavite, some 8.5 hours away.

How have you lived out the charism of reconciliation?
I have served as a parish priest for the last 14 years. I enjoy the challenge of parish work because I encounter many different kinds of people and a wide variety of ministries. I try to listen well when I am confronted with people who disagree with me. In celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I try to share the grace of the sacrament by how I am always available, and by my caring and understanding attitude. I find this sacramental ministry a great challenge because I am called to be a father, mother, brother, judge and counselor—all at the same time. That’s where I really feel that God is using me to share his grace of forgiveness.

One event that greatly tested my La Salette charism as a reconciler was when I first came face to face with the man who murdered my own brother. Of course, human as I am, my first reaction was to retaliate. However at that moment I just asked the man honestly, “Why did you kill my brother?” He gave no response and wasn’t even able to look at me. As I looked at him closely, I pitied him. He was a thin man with many tattoos but didn’t move a muscle. He seemed paralyzed or at least lost for words.

During our meeting and even in the presence of the deciding judge, he didn’t say a word. Although there was no formal reconciliation, I was being tested as a reconciler and I felt that I was able to live out the gift of our charism by doing what I did and not reacting in an inappropriate manner. Although I only met that man once and received no response from him, I can honestly say that I have totally forgiven him and have left his situation in the hands of the court. I truly believe that the Lord is just and merciful and I have pledged to leave everything in God’s hands.

Is there any specific part of the message of La Salette that you like or are attracted to?
Her words, “Come near, my children,” are a beautiful encouragement to come closer to her and her Son. It is a comforting and universal invitation, and can break down any obstacles that get in between ourselves, Mary and her Son. Her invitation also encourages us to surrender our whole selves to God.