Story By Georgene Quilaton-Tambiga
Photos By CST-R SMO, Liberty S. Batayola
“During my formation years, I would always think that there would be something good out of every negativity.” Newly ordained Rev. Fr. Jorr Rabacal, OAR shared during his Canta Misa at the San Carlos Borromeo Cathedral last January 4, 2020. The newly ordained Recollect confessed he used to receive a lot of reprimands for his behavior in school but his faith in God, who turned him into a priest, has never wavered.
With Fr. Rabacal are the six other Recollect priests ordained last December 7, 2019 at the Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Quezon City. The six included Rev. Fr. Monday Benjamine Edobor, OAR (from Nigeria), Rev. Fr. Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem, OAR (from Nigeria), Rev. Fr. Jovy A. Gallego, OAR (from San Vicente, Palawan), Rev. Fr. Andrie S. Pugate, OAR (Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur), Rev. Fr. Tomakatsu N. Yamaguchi, OAR (Dumaguete City) and Rev. Fr. Jessriel L. Marcha, OAR (from Bislig, Surigao del Sur).
Most Rev. Gerardo Alminaza, DD, Bishop of the Diocese San Carlos, and 19 Recollect priests from different communities in the Philippines concelebrated with Fr. Rabacal and the six newly ordained priests.
Rev. Fr. Jose Alden Alipin, OAR, one of Fr. Rabacal’s formators at the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva-Recoletos Formation House (minor/ high school seminary), shared during the homily the “three paths to priestly joy” that are “companionship in ministry and community life, living the priesthood with personal integrity, and pastoral charity and apostolate.” Fr. Alipin reminded the new priests that “it is easy to become a priest but it is difficult being a priest.” The former Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos principal also recalled how curious Fr. Rabacal was as a child and how the later has never lost that curiosity now that he is a prelate.
Before the final blessing, Fr. Rabacal, a member of CST-R Batch 2007, asked his fellow Sancarloseños for prayers. “Pray for us and pray with us,” he said.
On the Feast of the Epiphany, January 5, 2020, a Thanksgiving Mass was also held at the STV-R Chapel with Fr. Rabacal as main celebrant. Fr. Gallego also asked for prayers for their vocation during his short gratitude speech. The newly ordained priests also opened the first day of school of 2020 with a Holy Mass at the St. Ezekiel Moreno Covered Court, CST-R. Fr. Marcha was the main celebrant.
It can be recalled that Most Rev. Roberto Gaa, DD, Bishop of Novaliches, ordained the seven new Recollect priests. The batch is historic because it includes the first two Nigerian priests ordained in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno. Five of them will be assigned to mission stations in Sierra Leone, Africa, Indonesia and Palawan.
Fr. Rabacal’s parents are Mr. Jorecto and Mrs. Grema Sadio-Rabacal, whom the priest recognized and thanked for their support to him on his long journey to priesthood.
