Echoes of Faith: The Journey of a Church Builder

The Untold Biography of Rev. Fr. Ricky C. Peñalosa

In the serene embrace of a midyear morning, the Peñalosa family welcomed their newest member into the gentle tapestry of their lives and named him Ricky, the fourth of eight siblings. It was September 14, 1972, when the sun painted the horizon with hues of golden promise, heralding the arrival of a child whose very existence would soon become a testament to unwavering faith and profound devotion.

In the humble abode nestled amidst a neighborhood adorned with blooming flowers and dancing trees, young Ricky took his inaugural breath—a moment that seemed to ripple through the very fabric of time itself. His first cry, a delicate melody, echoed the aspirations of his family, devout and steeped in the traditions of their faith. Little did the world know that this day, marked by the subtle symphony of birdsong, would be etched as the genesis of a remarkable odyssey—one destined to weave the threads of humanity’s joys and sorrows, bound together by the unwavering spirit of one child’s calling.

For on this promising day, within the tranquil walls of the Peñalosa residence, the foundations were laid for the extraordinary journey of Father Ricky C. Peñalosa—a life whose chapters would be inked with selfless service, unyielding compassion, and an unshakeable devotion to the Blessed Trinity.

Growing up in the bustling corridors of Jose Porras Elementary School, young Ricky’s scholarly journey began as he embraced the vibrant world of learning. His curious mind and gentle demeanor made him a cherished presence among classmates and teachers alike. Eager to absorb the wisdom imparted within the pages of textbooks, he found solace in the rhythmic cadence of knowledge and the nurturing guidance of mentors.

His adventurous spirit beckoned him to explore the untamed surroundings of his neighborhood. With nimble feet and a heart brimming with youthful cheerfulness, he became an adept climber of cargo trucks full of copras, finding enjoyment and satisfaction like Robin Hood. A young entrepreneur in the making, Ricky ventured into bustling public markets, selling plastics to earn extra living. His earnest demeanor and genuine enthusiasm charmed the market-goers. With a smile as bright as the morning sun, he eagerly engaged in the art of salesmanship, fostering connections and forging bonds with a diverse array of individuals.

His high school life at the Holy Cross of Agdao made him engrossed in his studies. His innate kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand to peers earned him admiration and camaraderie. He engaged in a dance group, part of his passion, and went barangay hopping during feasts of patron saints.

In the heart of his adolescence, amidst the echoes of bouncing basketballs and the fervor of competitive courts, young Ricky discovered an unparalleled passion for the game. His nimble footwork and determined spirit on the hardwood spoke volumes of his commitment to the sport. The court became his sanctuary, a place where sweat and perseverance intermingled, nurturing dreams of sporting triumphs.

One afternoon, a group of young seminarians with Msgr. Edgar Labagala as Vocation Director came to their school for a vocational campaign. With wild imaginations of huge courts in the seminary grounds, he submitted himself for a seminary life, not knowing that a subtle whisper within his devout heart nudged him toward a different calling.

In 1989, he entered the grounds of the St. Francis Xavier College Seminary, where his passion for dancing continued as he graced seminary programs, especially during parents’ day. His joy in basketball games remained undiminished, but a deeper yearning to serve a higher purpose tugged at his soul. His formative years in college made him realize his true mission and his undeniable calling to dedicate his life to faith. This subconscious impulse propelled him toward the doors of the seminary.

In the swirling tapestry of life, 1992 emerged as a defining chapter for him. Graduating from the seminary after a tumultuous four years marked by both triumphs and tribulations signified a pivotal moment in his journey. But before fully embracing the mantle of priesthood, he embarked on a year-long odyssey of spiritual formation, delving deeper into the recesses of his faith. It was a transitional period—a time for introspection and growth—before destiny led him to the hallowed halls of the St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary.

Here, amidst the scholarly pursuit of theology, his passion for understanding the divine intensified. The third year at REMASE heralded not only academic success but the culmination of a scholarly endeavor, earning him a coveted Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry.

The year 1998, brimming with anticipation and promise, heralded a new chapter. Assigned to the sacred walls of the San Pedro Cathedral, he stood on the precipice of a lifelong commitment. January 1999 witnessed the crescendo of his journey—a moment etched in time—when the Sacrament of Holy Orders was bestowed upon him, anointing him with the mantle of priesthood.

The mosaic of his ministry unfurled across various parishes, each chapter a testament to his unwavering dedication and spiritual journey. His inaugural steps as Parochial Vicar at San Roque Parish, Malabog in 1999 marked the genesis of his pastoral odyssey. The years that followed were a whirlwind of experiences—a kaleidoscope of different parishes.

From Sacred Heart Jesus Parish in Obrero (2000) to Santo Rosario Parish in Toril (2001-2003), each setting painted a unique canvas of faith and community. Yet, amidst these local chapters, his journey transcended borders. The pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome in 2000 offered an unparalleled opportunity—an indelible memory etched in time. The privilege of concelebrating a Holy Mass with the now Saint John Paul II at St. Peter’s Square Basilica, standing in reverence during the Lord’s Prayer, became a pinnacle in his spiritual narrative.

The chronicles continued with roles at San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Talomo (2002-2004) and later, as chaplain at the Holy Cross of Davao College and as Parochial Vicar at the Sta. Ana Shrine Parish (2004-2005). His ascent to the role of Parish Priest at Saint John the Baptist Parish in Lasang (2005-2012), a distinction at his young age, spoke volumes of his leadership and commitment.

Yet, the narrative didn’t confine itself to local accolades. The World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, and in Madrid, Spain, where he concelebrated the Holy mass with the revered Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 and 2011 respectively, imprinted another milestone in his priestly journey.

From Holy Family Parish in Baliok to Immaculate Conception Parish in Mintal and then to San Antonio de Padua Chapel at Deca, Tacunan, his pastoral roles shaped communities and touched lives. Beyond parish borders, his travels across Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Beijing, Australia, Europe, and the United States echoed his quest for spiritual enrichment and personal growth—a journey that encapsulated the essence of his calling beyond geographical boundaries.

The year 2020 brought a new horizon (covid time)—the assignment at Virgen Dolorosa Parish in Babak, Island Garden City of Samal, revealing new facets of his ministry. His priestly journey unfolded not only in the spiritual realm but also left an indelible mark on the physical landscape of the parishes he served.

A silent architect of faith, he emerged as a church builder, not just in terms of spiritual growth but also in the tangible structures that stood as testaments to his commitment. The quaint parishes he inherited underwent transformations under his stewardship; many saw a metamorphosis under his hands. The parishes assigned to him adorned with the grace of his vision, bore witness to a renaissance of spiritual and architectural splendor.

However, it wasn’t merely bricks and mortar that shaped his legacy; it wasn’t just the physical structures that stood as a testament to his earthly mission. It was the lives touched, the spirits uplifted, and the communities united in faith and devotion that truly defined his tenure and the relationships he built over time.

The quarter chapter of this priestly life will commence, but the echoes of his devotion would resonate through generations, carried on the wings of prayers and the enduring strength of the edifices he had crafted—a legacy marked not only in stone but in the hearts of those whose lives he had touched.

And as he looked upon the parishioners, their faces radiant with hope and faith, he knew that the story of his journey as a church builder had only just begun for those who would carry the torch forward.

THE SILVER LINING MAY HAVE PASSED… THE GOLDEN ARRAY AWAITS.

The next chapter of the story of the Church Builder will soon unfold. (Felnellie Puno Albao)