On December 8, 1984, Fr. Rolly, MI became the first Filipino to be ordained priest in the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm.  The young, vibrant and energetic priest has since then faced numerous challenges in his various assignments: formation of seminarians both in the college seminary and Scholasticate, community organizing and rebuilding of the church in Boso-Boso, and administration of health care institutions like the polyclinics and health center in Cainta.  In exercising his different ministries all through the years, he remained humble and dedicated. He stayed grounded in reality and became more firm in his faith and trust in the Lord and in his witnessing of the charism received by St. Camillus.

After 25 years, Fr. Rolly celebrated his silver jubilee as a Camillian priest.  Though some of his confreres have left the Order and the priesthood, he has persevered in his deep faith and trust in the Lord and in his loving dedication and commitment to the Order.

In the celebration of his 25 years of priesthood, Fr. Rolly offered a thanksgiving mass in his hometown parish - San Sebastian Parish in Famy Laguna last December 5.  He presided over the Eucharist which started at 10 am and lasted until 11:30 am.  Fr. Ivo Anselmi, MI, Fr. Evan Villanueva, MI and other Camillian priests and priest friends concelebrated with him. Fr. Evan in his homily shared about the things that fire up Fr. Rolly’s interest and passion. But the peak of his homily was when he became teary –eyed while talking about the inspiration he gets from Fr. Rolly amidst the exodus of Camillian priests in the previous years. For him, younger Camillian priests can also draw inspiration from seeing Fr. Rolly’s perseverance in religious and priestly life.

Part of the Eucharist was Fr. Rolly’s blessing to his family, relatives and, of course, to his parents, Maximo and Aquilina Fernandez, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last February 12.  Before the final blessing, Fr. Rolly expressed his deep and sincere gratitude to all the people who labored hard in making his thanksgiving mass a success – his family, relatives, friends, benefactors, classmates during his elementary and high school years, teachers, the choir, the servers, town mates  and, of course, their very supportive parish priest Msgr. Eleazar Tagilaso.  His family and town mates displayed unwavering support to their first and only priest so far in Famy.

 Fr. Rolly also thanked the Camillian religious and communities who attended and supported him, especially the people from the health center in Cainta and the Pasig Polyclinic where he is currently assigned.  And of course, his message of gratitude to God, the Source of his vocation, was not forgotten. He thanked God who has abundantly blessed him in his chosen vocation and who has proven to Fr. Rolly that He never abandons those whom He calls.

 After the Holy Eucharist, a sumptuous and delectable lunch truly delighted the people. Thanks to the generosity of the people in Famy who really shared their treasures for the celebration.

Though the thanksgiving Eucharist is now history, for Fr. Rolly everyday is still a day of thanksgiving for God’s abounding love and graciousness.  Twenty five years do not mean the end of his priestly and religious service.  It’s 25 and counting!