SVD sits as new priest in Babak

True to his vow, Fr. Rodrigo Salac, SVD, volunteered to be the new Assistant Parish Priest of the Virgen Dolorosa Parish in Babak, Island Garden City of Samal. Fr. Digs , as he is called, just recently came from his 2-year chaplaincy in the Basic Education Department of the Holy Name University, an SVD institution in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. It has been sometime since his 1996-2007 parish assignment in Agusan that he looks eagerly to this third collaboration with the diocesan clergy.

Fr. Digs is the youngest in a brood of 6. His elder brother was also a priest and his eldest sister, Sr. Fely Salac, an MIC sister. He was born in Upper Lacson, Calinan but his family transferred to Mati in Davao Oriental in 1961.

He remembers his mother as quite religious, actively serving in the Church and was looked up to as a spiritual pillar in their barangay. She was a favorite godparent in baptisms and weddings. As the youngest child, he often accompanied his mother to her religious activities. They were close at that time to the Maryknoll priests and the MIC sisters.

After only 2 years in college, Fr. Digs served his parish in Mati as the Youth Coordinator. His vocation subtly nurtured by his environment, his religious sister friend brought him to Manila. He entered the Christ the King Seminary of the Society of the Divine Word in 1978 at age 22 and was ordained a priest in December 12, 1987.

“Kinahanglan man ang tabang,” Fr. Digs explained his yes response to help the Archdiocese of Davao as he also wants to experience as an assistant priest.

“Ambot lang kung ambisyoso, maka-manage ug parish sa Davao ang SVD,” is Fr. Digs’ hope for the future.

For his soon to meet parishioners, “Mag-uban ta,” is his simple but deeply felt invitation.