Deacon on viral photo, fame: It’s not for me but for Christ

Peñaplata, IGACOS — Rev. Efren Gubac, Jr. has become instant famous after his photo baptizing a child in Immaculate Conception Parish here became famous online and after he was featured in Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho.

His popularity is undeniable to the point that every time he is around an event in the parish, people will ask for a picture with him. But for this 27-year-old deacon, fame is not for him to own but should draw people to Christ.

It was November 28 when a text message from an editor in Vera Files told this reporter that KMJS asked how to contact the deacon for one of their segments.

After getting the permission from the archbishop, the shoot was made possible last November 30 at the parish where his photo went viral. The shooting lasted for a day and his classmates in the seminary also came after receiving the invite from him.

He was hesitant at first because he is not comfortable to face the camera and has not tried it before. Aside from that he is too shy as a person.

“I would rather face people and deliver a homily than face the camera to do an interview,” he said during the shoot.

“I appreciate the attention that I am receiving now but it’s not what I am after. I just wanted to be a priest and if they see me as good-looking, I hope that they will see Christ in me,” Rev. Gubac quipped.

He said that a seminarian or a priest becomes more appealing especially if one is wearing the vestment and hopefully, that attention will not draw people to the priest only but to Jesus Christ who is the source of their vocation.

For now, Rev. Gubac wants to continue performing his ministry as deacon and continue his exposure in Immaculate Conception Parish in Peñaplata, IGACOS. He wants to be with the people and administer the sacraments even without facing the camera.