A Shepherd Who Formed Me: 50 Years of Priestly Grace

With deep gratitude to God, I join the Church in celebrating the 50th Sacerdotal Anniversary of Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD.

Though I did not know him personally in his early years of priesthood, I was blessed to encounter him during my formation at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao—first as Vice Rector, then as Rector, and also as our Liturgy Professor. In those moments, I witnessed not only a teacher, but a father and a shepherd—gentle, prayerful, and deeply rooted in the life of the Church.

His love for the Sacred Liturgy, his quiet strength, and his pastoral heart have left a lasting imprint on my own priestly journey. He formed us not only through words, but through the example of a life faithfully given to Christ and His Church.

Today, as he marks 50 years in the priesthood, I thank the Lord for the gift that he has been to the Church, and in a special way, to us whom he helped form.

May the Good Shepherd continue to bless him with strength, peace, and joy in the years ahead.

Ad multos annos, Archbishop Valles! (Jesse Hipolito)