A native of the Philippines, Fr. Ramil served as an altar boy in his youth. While attending public schools, he had his sights set on becoming an engineer. However, inspired by the good works of the priests he had known, he decided to enter the seminary instead. There he completed his college education and went on to continue his theological studies leading to ordination in 1993. God does call us in many ways.

As a young priest, Fr. Ramil was assigned to a parish in Lucena City, Philippines. While there, he also served as a hospital and prison chaplain, taught philosophy at the local seminary and was the director of the diocesan radio station.

However, this all changed suddenly in 1999 when Fr. Ramil’s bishop assigned him to our diocese here in New Jersey. As parochial vicar at St. Anthony’s, he not only helped to celebrate the sacraments, but also served as chaplain for the Passaic hospitals and did apostolate work with young people. To accommodate the large Hispanic population at St. Anthony’s, Fr. Ramil celebrated many of the liturgies in Spanish.

After returning from a brief trip to the Philipinnes to visit his mother, Felicita, Fr. Ramil was assigned to our parish last July with Fr. Boland’s blessings.

Compared to his previous urban assignments, Fr. Ramil appreciates Vernon’s countrified environment, the quiet and solitude, where he can hear the birds chirp. Most of all, he is impressed by the warmth of our people and the sense of community that prevails. He truly feels welcomed to our parish.

Fr. Ramil loves to sing, as you will know if you are around him at all. He doesn't even need a reason to burst into song. He is always happy and lifts the spirits of those around him. He greets the children with a smile and words of encouragement as they come for religious education . He loves sports - especially basketball, believe it or not; and he collects baseball caps. Father also loves to take pictures, and you may be caught off guard if he snaps your picture.

Fr. Ramil’s philosophy is simple but poignant. He believes that all is grace; that God ultimately provides us with something good in whatever happens to us. He is happy to be here at St. Francis, and we are fortunate to have him as part of our parish family.