To the youth: ‘Do not harden your hearts’ (Vocation Story of Fr. Rionelle Hinampas, SDV)

Why did he become a priest? It is because he was inspired by his devoted parish priest in Marbel who served and celebrated masses while suffering from rheumatism. The parish priest was also the first priest who gave daily masses in their parish. He witnessed the dedication of their priest since he was his faithful altar server in the church.

He was once a dreamer. When he was at a very young age, he wanted to become a doctor or a soldier who would defend his treasured country.

Rionelle Reños Hinampas was born in General Santos City on April 29, 1986. His loving mother, Celestina Reños Hinampas, and affectionate father, Fausto Amoguis Hinampas, are currently residing in Kiamba, Saranggani Province, Poblacion together with his other siblings.

Fr. Rio, 31 years old, is the eldest among the five siblings but unfortunately, the sibling next to him died. He is just a very simple individual. Anyone can observe it not just by the way he dresses but also by the food he likes. His favorite food which he craves in the seminary is pancit. He is sporty, good in playing volleyball and chess.

If anyone doesn’t know, Fr. Rio is also a man of many skills which aligns to how he defines himself. He is a doer. He loves to do things that can benefit the community. He knows a little bit of computer troubleshooting even though he did not receive any formal education about it. That is the reason why he became the in-charge of the computer in the seminary. He knows carpentry. If there are little things in the formation house that need repair, Fr. Rio would love to fix it. He also does plumbing and masonry, as well.

Ordained into priesthood last May 9, 2017 at the San Isidro Labrador Parish, Catalunan, Fr. Rio advises the youth not be afraid of God’s calling: “For me nga nalipay ko ug nahadlok kay wala ko kabalo kung asa nga place or ministry that I am embracing per sabi nga ni Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D. sa iyang homily, embrace kung unsa mana ang gibati either kalipay ug kahadlok. To the youth, if ever you hear the voice of God, please do not harden your hearts.”

The Society of Divine Vocations, also known as the Vocationist Fathers or by the abbreviation S.D.V., is a religious Congregation of Priests and Brothers founded by Blessed Fr. Justin Russolillo (1891-1955) in Italy. The Vocationist Fathers was founded on October 18, 1920 and has its motherhouse at Pianura, which is in the Province of Naples in Italy.