10 minute interview with Fr. Rico!

I had the privilege to interview our gentle, soft-spoken and humble Parish Priest Fr. Rico for 10 minutes (or more I think so…) He is my first feature in this blog! Why? Basically because the best article I wrote in Ang Magsasangyaw (a local parish-based newsletter) a few years ago, which was also published in another Catholic publication, was inspired by one of his sermons and reflections.

How do you prepare for your sermons/homilies?

The preparations is I read the Gospel, the delivery is based from my own experience combined with reflection of the message of the Gospel . The preparation starts with prayers, reflection, meditation and contemplation and to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I start with what struck me most and  develop or focus on one topic or issue for the reflection.

When was the last time you attended a mass where you were not the one officiating it?

* The Presbyterium meeting…

(…and during ordination time, right?)

Yes… and during my seminary years I attended mass when I am free like I have no mass schedules or I was the co-celebrant in the mass.

What was the foremost thing you missed doing since you’ve become a priest?

Being with my close friends and going out with them anytime because I spend my time now with my ministry.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is the fear of God, the holy fear. That’s how I view fear, not more with we are put into damnation because for me with God, we are all saved and it depends on each person on how he accepts His salvation. My fear is more about the consequences of my actions if I commit sins. If I commit sins, I must face the consequences.

Aside from your ministry, what keeps you busy?

I engaged into sports activities like tennis and basketball. I also spend most of my spare time with the other priests.

What is your greatest weakness?

For me, my weakness is my emotional struggles but my greatest is my own limitations in handling temptations. Also, I am a mediocre person, I can engage and involve in a lot of activities but I do not really excel in any aspect based on my own observation.

What is your greatest personal desire?

To be constant in my priestly life, to live a holy life. I may not acquire it perfectly but I am doing my best for it.

What makes you cry?

Loss of loved ones… the last time I cried was when there was a family issue like a misunderstanding within the family members…

Does people’s attention annoy or flatter you? Do people’s criticisms affect you or do you ignore them?

For me, criticisms are means to grow. Whether I like it or not, I cannot please everyone so I see it as my means to grow and develop.

(Did it ever occur for an instance that you got really pissed with a criticism?)

I am the type of person who is not sensitive with criticisms. For me, we cannot control how people is impressed by what we do, we cannot control what they have observed about me and they are entitled to it, so it is my way of evaluating myself too and make a room for improvement and growth.

When people give too much attention to me, I always remind myself, this is not because of my personality or achievements but because I am a priest, a servant of God. Humans as we are, we long for support from people around us, so I look at it in a positive way because their attention gives friendship , strength and encouragement to me.

Describe Fr. Rico in one word…

SIMPLE

(my life as a priest is to fulfill my purpose to serve God the best that I can.)

(Nothing is left unsaid, what you read in this blog is totally what you see and observe Fr. Rico as a person, humble and sincere in his vocation as a servant of God. Then I realized, we do not need to be geniuses to excel in any aspects or of in any corners of the world, the humility, sincerity and love of life and the faith that we profess will excel us over the world!)

* Presbyterium meeting of Diocesan of Tagum is every last Tuesday of the month where all the priests under the diocesan gather altogether.