Rev. Fr. Rodrigo “Ric” Eguia, the newly installed parish priest of Our Lady of Aranzazu Parish, celebrated his 30th Sacerdotal Anniversary on Tuesday, November 9, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Antipolo.
Fr. Ric answered the curiosity of many on why he loves the said parish so much. He said that aside from the beauty and serenity of the place, the parish holds significance because he was the first parish priest assigned to it in 1998. He also helped build the foundation and parish community of the church.
During the homily, Rev. Fr. Louie Atanacio, Fr. Ric’s close friend from Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol Seminary, used letter props, spelling the words Fr. Ric Eguia.
He used these letters to describe Fr. Ric’s characteristics as a priest, head of the parish, and a friend. Fr. Louie said that he is friendly, rigorous, a real person, irresistible, charming, empathic, “gala” (a person who likes to travel), unique, and (social media) addict.
One of the characteristics that Fr. Louie emphasized is Fr. Ric’s strictness when implementing the health protocols in the NSDA parish during the pandemic. He also mentioned Fr. Ric’s empathy towards people who come to him for spiritual guidance.
Fr. Louie also revealed the fun side of Fr. Ric as an adventurous and techy priest who spends a lot of time on social media. However, he said that he only shows the real life of a priest who is not just focused on presiding masses and baptisms. He said that this also inspires other priests to enjoy their vocation.
Fr. Ric’s batchmates from the seminary and other priests graced the celebration whose attendance was acknowledged and thanked by Fr. Ric.
Fr. Ric was ordained as a priest on November 9, 1991. He has been to two churches as a Parochial Vicar and was designated to six churches so far as a parish priest where Aranzazu Parish is the current.
