photo courtesy of Bro. Raymond Castillon
I’m sure most of you have seen this celebrity-looking priest whenever you walk at the patio or around the area of Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora De Aranzazu yet some are still wondering who is this new face in the parish? He is Fr. Edwin Gurango Tirado, the Parochial Vicar of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu.
As a priest, Fr. Edwin, as how many would acknowledge him, never failed to remind us of the basic disciplines we should possess as Christians. I remember attending one of his masses where he was reminding the parishioners to come on time during mass so as not to distract others while they are either listening to the homily or quietly praying. He also reminded everyone to dress properly whenever inside the church. Fr. Edwin, not known by many, also has a humorous and cheerful side, you would see him smiling at everyone while walking at the patio.
Yesterday, June 26, Fr. Edwin celebrated his 13th sacerdotal anniversary and as our Parochial Vicar, let us know him more and go back to his priesthood journey.
Fr. Edwin is the 2nd child of devout Catholic parents, Mateo and Marie Tirado. After attending Elementary and Secondary school at Siena College, he was influenced by his teacher, Sr. Josemarie Salania O.P. to enter the seminary in 1992 at St. Vincent Seminary. He earned Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at St. Vincent Seminary and took his Masters Degree in Theology at St. Vincent School of Theology.
Fr. Tirado officially became a priest on June 26, 2004 when he was ordained at San Vicente de Paul Parish in Manila. Before he became the Parochial Vicar of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, he was first assigned to be the Parochial Vicar in the following Parishes:
- San Gabriel Mission Station, Paracelis, Mt. Province (2004-2008)
- San Roque Parish, Mandaue, Cebu City (2008-2010)
- San Vicente de Paul Parish, San Marcelino, Ermita Manila (2010-2012)
- Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Mangaldan, Pangasinan (2012-2015) and;
- St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Cainta, Rizal (2015-2017)
Now that we know more about Fr. Edwin and his journey of being a priest, do not be shy to smile back the next time you see him walking at the patio. (Camille Cabal)
