The Call That Waited, The Heart That Answered

The call that waited in silence has found its answer in a heart ready to serve the people of God

On September 8, 2025, on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the bells of San Pedro Cathedral Parish will ring with joy as one of its sons, Seminarian Roldan “Dan” Balon Baliano, steps closer to the priesthood through the Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate. To be officiated by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, the celebration is not only a milestone in Bro. Dan’s life but also a testimony of God’s persistent call and the quiet strength of a family that stood beside him.

Bro. Dan’s vocation began not with a sudden burst of inspiration but with gentle nudges from the Church community. Growing up, he was deeply immersed in parish life—joining Flores de Mayo with his mother, accompanying his father to parish activities, and eventually being appointed to represent the GKK youth in San Pedro Cathedral Parish. From there, he became active in the Youth Apostolate, serving as animator, core group member, and eventually youth coordinator. At the time, the idea of becoming a priest never crossed his mind. His dream was a simple one: to marry and have three children.

Life, however, has its way of leading us where we least expect. Relationships, a promising career, and financial stability should have been enough to fill Bro. Dan’s heart. But he confessed that something was missing. Even as an assistant manager with a steady salary to support his aging parents—being the youngest child after his three siblings had already married—he felt unfulfilled. In those quiet moments of unrest, he sought guidance from priests and began discerning seriously. The clarity came slowly, with struggles and fears, but grace ordered everything in God’s time.

At 33, Dan entered Holy Apostles Senior Seminary, carrying the weight of a “late vocation.” It was not easy. He had been away from school for 11 years, and catching up with younger, more energetic seminarians tested his patience. He wrestled with study habits, the distance from his family, and even guilt for no longer being able to contribute financially. But in those trials, he encountered the God who provides. He often recalled praying, “Lord, ikaw may nagdala sa akoa diri, mitubag ra man jud ko sa Imong tawag. Tabangi ko unsaon nako ni pag-overcome.” Time and again, God answered through unexpected ways, lifting burdens and opening paths.

Seminary life reshaped Bro. Dan from within. Formation classes, human development programs, and community life despite these challenges helped him rediscover himself and deepen his faith. His assignments at the Bishop’s Residence and later at DXGN and Davao Catholic Herald gave him invaluable lessons. Assisting Archbishop Valles in liturgical functions humbled him, while working with the media community sharpened his discipline against procrastination. Writing reflections, producing articles, and balancing multiple tasks became a training ground for pastoral life. Most of all, he discovered that priestly ministry is less about capability and more about willingness to serve with humility.

As his ordination approaches, Bro. Dan feels both excitement and trembling. To prepare himself, he will undergo a retreat. The preparations at San Pedro Cathedral remind him that the grace of vocation is not his own possession but God’s gift. He admits to being moved to tears when he heard the ordination banns, realizing that so many are praying for him. “Who am I to deserve this?” he thought, humbled by the support of his community and family.

Behind Bro. Dan’s journey stand his parents, Nanay Myrna and Tatay Isabelo, whose quiet faith nurtured his own. They recall how, back in high school, Bro. Dan once asked them if priests were forbidden to love. It was a fleeting question that faded as he pursued work and relationships. That is why his decision later in life came as a surprise. “Nakaingon mi, nganong karon pa? Tiguwang nami, dugay na siya nagtrabaho, naa na ang tanan sa kinabuhi. Pero nakabati gyud siya’g naay kulang,” they shared. Though they first felt worried, they chose to support him wholeheartedly, trusting in God’s plan.

As ordination draws near, their hearts are full. “Nalipay mi, daghan na nag-congratulate, pero padayon gihapon mi sa pag-ampo,” they said. They admit there were financial worries, but gratitude overflows more than anything. Their message to other parents is clear: “Suportahan gyud, dili ibalewala kay kini gasa sa Ginoo. Dakong kalipay kung ang anak mahimo’ng pari.”

To their son, their words are both loving and firm: “Paninguhaon nga mahimong matinud-anon, malayo sa mga temptasyon ug katalagman. Magpadayon sa pag-ampo aron hapsay ang huna-huna ug kaloy-an sa Ginoo kay siya gitawag nga moalagad.”

Bro. Dan himself offers a message to those discerning the call: Do not be afraid. Like St. John Paul II said, fear not—for each day, God assures us of His presence. For those hesitant because of responsibilities or age, his life is proof that it is never too late to say “yes” to God.

On the day of his ordination, when the Cathedral fills with prayers and the Archbishop lays his hands upon him, it will be the culmination of years of searching, surrendering, and trusting. Though delayed, the answer was always destined—the call endured, and the heart surrendered. For Bro. Dan, it is not the end of his struggles but the beginning of a deeper mission and a long journey. For his family and community, it is a moment of pride and joy. And for the Church, it is the gift of vocation, born from the love of God and the prayers of many.