TRADITIONAL OFFERING •
Father Augusto Gamalo presents his mother, Fara, with the linen cloth from his Ordination during his first Mass in St. Aloysius Church, Jackson, June 5. Jay Mayer photo
Ministry of Presence Father Gamalo finds special meaning in accompanying people through joys and sorrows By Patrick T. Brown, Associate Editor
F
or Father Augusto “Al” Gamalo, being a priest means many things. But one overriding element, to put it simply, is just being present. “For me,” said Father Gamalo, ordained a priest by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., June 4, “the priesthood is all about the ministry of presence, being with people in their joyous times, like for weddings and baptisms, but also in their saddest times, like funerals.” It requires a certain amount of empathy, Father Gamalo says, and an understanding that nothing can replace the human interaction that comes at times of life’s great joys and sorrows. “It’s the ministry of presence that I’ve really learned through my [formation]. You have to be there as a priest, because people
Father Augusto Gamalo S10 •
Ordinations • T
he
“I felt like I was being pulled by the great High Priest.”
look up to you as their spiritual father of a sort.” It’s a role for which he has spent many years preparing, starting from entering a high school seminary in his hometown of Tacloban City, Philippines, where he was one of three children of Castor and Fara Gamalo, Sr. His parents never forced him to consider a vocation to the priesthood, but when he first heard the call, he says, they were “supportive and very, very prayerful.” “[In the Philippines,] it’s very common to enter the seminary in high school,” Father Gamalo said. “Of course you don’t want to be a priest when you’re 13 years old, but it kind of developed in there. The moment I became serious about it was when I finished college seminary…I felt like I was being pulled by the great High Priest to join the priesthood.” Father Gamalo recalled knowing “nothing” about America before leaving the Philippines for the first time and entering the seminary. He felt some reluctance about the unknown future, but also excitement about following the call to become “a priest forever.” “Everything happened so fast, and I considered it a blessing. I believe that the Church is universal, and if I’m being called to become a priest . . . I’m a priest in the universal, Catholic Church.” Now Father Gamalo, whose first assign-
MONITOR • JUNE 16, 2016
ment is serving as parochial vicar in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, says that blend of excitement and anticipation is still present as he prepares to begin his priestly ministry. “I’m just hoping that I will be effective in relating to the people, especially the youth,” he said. “I’m very anxious and excited and of course it takes a lot of preparation. There are so many things to keep in mind, but hopefully everything will be great.” Father Gamalo, a movie buff who particularly enjoys war stories of bravery and valor, looks forward to returning to the Philippines in the near future to celebrate his first Mass back in his home diocese with his parents and family members in attendance. But for the meantime, he says, embarking on the journey of priesthood encompasses the many parts of parish life and being present for people at all stages of life. “I’m really looking forward to hearing confessions,” he said, “because you never know as a priest how many lives you change and how many hearts you touch by hearing confessions or giving spiritual advice. You’re really called to be the face of Jesus’ mercy.” While a transitional deacon in St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, Father Gamalo found a special meaning in celebrating the rites of Christian burial. “I’m very comfortable doing funerals, and talking to the people grieving - I somehow feel their pain,” Father Gamalo said. Father Gamalo shared that he “can’t count how many times I’ve been inspired and helped by the faithful” who have prayed for him and supported him on his journey toward ordination. Now, he says, by being present as a minister of accompaniment and a personal representative of God’s healing love and mercy, he hopes to inspire and help others to become closer to God.