Interviewer – Fr. Rodel, would you share a bit about your background: family, childhood and early education?
Fr. Rodel – I was born in the Philippines, the fifth of six children, all boys. My father, who died in 2000, was a policeman while my mother had been a teacher. I grew up in a very Catholic family, living near the parish church where I was an altar server. As a young boy I went to public school. When in high school I joined the choir. Later I went to the University of St. Augustine where I studied accounting.
– How did you meet the Assumptionists?
– I did not meet them for a while because after school I worked in finance in Manila for three years. However, while in high school, I was interested in the priesthood, so I went to a diocesan seminary in 2000 and did three years of philosophy and theology. In 2003 I met my first Assumptionist, Fr. Peter Precourt, A.A. which began period of communication with the congregation. In 2006 I became a candidate with the community and worked with the Religious of the Assumption in their AMA program as a volunteer. I then became an aspirant in 2007-8. The following year I worked with street children as a postulant. As a novice in 2009-10, I volunteered as a catechist on weekends and did some finance work for the Daughters of Charity. In 2010 I made my first vows and worked with Youth in Marytown. In 2019 I was ordained and served in Veracruz, Mexico.
– How have the years provided an opportunity for you to grow as an Assumptionist?
– In living out the charism of Assumption, I pray that I will always grow in my service to others through my community’s prayer life, especially the chanting of the psalms and living in community with my brother Assumptionists which is most important to me. At the moment I am living at the Assumptionist Center in Brighton and my assignment is Provincial Treasurer. My favorite scripture is John 15:16 and because I love music, I enjoy playing the keyboard for liturgical and prayer gatherings.
– Do you have hobbies and other interests?
– Yes, I enjoy swimming, reading, music and movies.
– What are your hopes and dreams for your future and that of the congregation?
– First of all, it is with great joy that I continue to serve the Church as an Assumptionist priest and pray that the congregation will continue to grow in fulfilling our mission for the Coming of the Kingdom.
