By Fr. Eduardo Emilio Aguero, SCJ
For more than five decades, Fr. Ramon Abadicio Manalo has walked the path of priesthood with unwavering dedication. A Filipino religious priest of the Society of St. Paul, his ministry has taken him, through different missions, and into the hearts of the faithful. On May 17, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Taipa celebrated his fifty-fifth sacerdotal anniversary with a solemn Mass, presided by Fr. Manalo himself, joined by the assistant parish priests, Fr. José Marques and Fr. Eduardo Aguero, in the presence of the parish priest, Fr. Domingos Un. The celebration continued with a joyful community lunch, where parishioners and clergy gathered to honor his lifelong service.
As a priest, communicator, and missionary, Fr. Manalo embodies a deep commitment to the Church and a genuine love for the people he serves. O Clarim sat down with him to reflect on his journey—from Rome to the Philippines and then to Macau—marked by faith, unwavering love, and a profound devotion to pastoral care.
O Clarim: Father, take us back to the day of your ordination. How did it all begin?
Fr. Manalo: I was ordained in Rome, at the Vatican, on May 29, 1970. It was a deeply moving experience, not only for me but for many others. There were around two hundred and fifty deacons from different congregations, including twenty-five from the Society of St. Paul. The moment was made even more historic because we were ordained by Pope Paul VI, who, on that very day, was celebrating his golden sacerdotal anniversary—fifty years of priesthood.
O Clarim: After your ordination, your ministry took several paths. Can you share some of your experiences?
Fr. Manalo: My first mission was in St. Paul’s Publications, where I served for fourteen years. Social communication is one of the primary ways our congregation reaches people, and we strongly believe in the power of media to spread the Gospel. From there, I worked in our parish in Pasay City in the Philippines for two years before being sent to Macau on March 7, 1987, with my confrere Fr. Pasaporte.
O Clarim: Macau has been home to you for quite some time. What were your first years like here?
Fr. Manalo: When we arrived, Fr. Albino, the first director of O Clarim, had already been in Macau for two years. Later, when he became ill, I accompanied him to Portugal in 2013, where he passed away a year later. Our first stop after arriving was in Hong Kong, where we studied Cantonese at the Chinese University. Since we were expected to work in Macau’s parishes, language preparation was crucial. My first assignment in Macau was in Fatima Parish, where I served for six years alongside Fr. Pedro Chung, the parish priest. Then, the bishop initially asked me to come to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, though the number of parishioners was still small at that time. Eventually, I was sent to St. Francis Xavier Parish in Coloane, where my missionary journey truly unfolded.
O Clarim: You have always been very close to the people of Coloane. Can you describe how that relationship grew?
Fr. Manalo: When I arrived, I found myself alone in a new place, unsure of how to begin. Many of the residents were Buddhists, so I decided to build connections by mingling with everyone. I joined the gatherings of the ”Associação dos Moradores de Coloane”, where I was warmly welcomed. Over time, friendships blossomed among us. One of the things that helped was my presence in everyday life. I kept the church open all day, and when I needed to leave, the restaurant owners nearby, who were not Catholic, would gladly watch over it. I also ate at a nearby restaurant, turning it into an informal meeting place where people could approach me. Through simple interactions, I deepened my ties with the community. In Coloane, I continued the missionary work that the Salesians had begun. The foundation was there; I simply nurtured it. Later, when I moved to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, I had to adjust again. Most parishioners here are Filipinos, and because many are temporary workers, the community is constantly shifting. We structured catechism with the help of the Dominican Sisters and organized regular Bible formation sessions with lectors and commentators to strengthen faith within the community.
O Clarim: Pope Leo XIV, following in the footsteps of the late Pope Francis, insists that the Church must be missionary. What message would you give to the faithful of Macau about missionary life?**
Fr. Manalo: A missionary must be present among the people. One of the challenges in Macau is that lay people tend to rely heavily on the clergy, but we must empower them to take an active role in the Church’s mission. In my experience, when you trust and guide people, they can surprise you with their commitment and love for the Church. A missionary must walk with the people, share in their lives, and listen to them. Over the years, I have learned that true pastoral care comes from presence—being there at breakfast, attending their celebrations, sharing in their joys and struggles. This journey has transformed me. Being a missionary is about love. Love for the people, love for God, and the willingness to grow alongside those we serve. I remember times when my good intentions led me to act in ways that may have distanced people from the Church. But one of the blessings of growing older is gaining wisdom—the wisdom to listen, to adapt, and to humbly accompany others on their journey of faith.
As our conversation with Fr. Manalo came to an end, it became clear that he is more than a priest; he is a true missionary and a compassionate leader. O Clarim expresses its sincere gratitude to Fr. Manalo for sharing his experiences and insights. His dedication and wisdom continue to inspire many. May his mission in Macau and beyond be blessed with many more fruits.
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