We Would Love
to Keep in Touch!
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Santiago City, Isabela, on Jan. 26, 1973. I am the eldest son of four children, two brothers and one sister. My hometown has over 100,000 people and our family lived in “Poblacion”, the center of our city. My father, Eduardo, and my mother, Angelita, are both deceased.
How did you first hear about La Salette?
My hometown is one of the first two foundations of the La Salette’s presence in the Philippines. I went to La Salette High School of Santiago. My first exposure to priests was with Fr. Wilfredo Jocson, diocesan priest from my hometown, a relative of my father. He was always willing to be of service to the church and when the La Salettes in the area were away, he would pitch in to help. For me, he showed me the meaning the words, “to serve and not to be served”. That always brings me back to what Jesus said about true service. He was older and “retired but not tired!” He was one of the diocesan priests who welcomed and knew the very first La Salettes who came to our area. He was very approachable and non-threatening, a simple priest, a truly compassionate person.
What ministries have you served in?
In my eight years of priestly ministry I have served in three parishes: Roxas, Isabela, Philippines, and Morena Valley, California, and here at Holy Cross Parish in Kalaheo, Kauai, Hawaii. I have enjoyed parish ministry, dealing with people. I feel privileged to share my knowledge and faith with my parishioners and, at the same time, learn much from them as well. I welcome the challenge of “comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.” I want to help them to appreciate more the true depth of being an active Christian and the call to be engaged in advancing God’s kingdom in the community.
When I served in California, I was called to work primarily with youth. I shared with them the “ministry of presence”, being with them for prayer, fun, and many fundraisers for youth projects. I discovered that I can just be myself in ministry and that’s enough.
How have you lived out the charism of reconciliation?
Concretely living out our charism is different in each place of ministry. Our charism challenges me often to grow by adjusting to new situations and being more patient in teaching and leading others.
I’m comforted by Mary’s words, “Come near, my children.” My challenge is to be like Mary and continually be compassionate with those with whom I minister. Her concluding words, “You will make this message known to all my people” is what motivates me to keep making the message of her Son known in as many ways as possible. It gives me strength to carry out that mission, even when it is not easy or convenient. Like her Son, we all need to carry our cross with God’s help.