A heart for service

After almost a year in the diaconate program, Rev. Ranebe Julio Magallanes will be ordained priest tomorrow August 22, 2022 9:00AM at the San Isidro Labrador Parish, Catalunan Grande. He is being jested to receive a loyalty award at the said Barangay due to the fact that he has never gone as far as 10 kilometers during his childhood up until he has completed his academic requirements at the Regional Major Seminary. He said he is most grateful for the gift of people who became part of his discerning process especially his parents who were his first catechists.

Being in the formation for a total of 14 years, he also faced challenges and difficulties however he is determined and by the grace of God defeated his insecurities. Among them is the fact that he didn’t come from a Catholic private school unlike the other seminarians, he also admitted that he was never an A student but because of this, he doubled his efforts in academics. “Yes my formators would not remember me excelling in class, my formators would not remember me excelling in academics,” these were the words he said which are for me not traces of insecurity but rather determination and perseverance.

As Rev. Ranebe reminisced his time in the seminary, the countenance of pride showed in his face that he has proven himself wrong of all his self-inhibitions. He found the Lord a companion during these times and his faith deepened. He also found himself drawn to service as he wants to serve the community, to the parishioners, his brother priests. As he said, “dili tanan andam mualagad” and this is the strength he brings as he begins his journey as a priest. (Photos by Brenda P. Milan)