The gift in Fr. Nilo Macapinlac:
First Ilonggo ordained and welcomed at the Edmonton Archdiocese in Canada
Fr. Nilo Macapinlac
It has since been said, "Many are called, but few are chosen." It has also been reminded of the faithful how some are remembered for what they did, what they said but those who act and heed the call are remembered for who they are.
Fr. Nilo Belvis Macapinlac at a young age believed he was called. In the years that followed his childhood he knew has been chosen. And at 33 when he walked his way through the honour guards of the Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph's Basilica in Edmonton, Canada last November, the steps he took finally led him to where he wants people to best remember him - the second Filipino priest to ever be ordained at the Edmonton Archdiocese, the first Ilonggo priest to be welcomed in the community.
Five months to becoming "Fr. Nilo," he goes home to celebrate in his hometown and very home in Barangay Badiang, New Lucena, Iloilo. As word got out of his homecoming, barangay folks came in their Sunday's best, gathered family members including those too young to even know the "Nilo" who once served as an altar boy and member of the town's Legion of Mary.
In minutes, the barangay's chapel was filled beyond capacity that one Sunday morning. Others who could not get a seat nor stand in the aisle waited. A glimpse is enough, one said, on top of wanting to be there for Fr. Nilo's first mass. "I hope it is not the last," another added.
Like the celebrity that he was regarded by fellow Filipinos at the Cathedral's basement hall after his ordination, Fr. Nilo goes home to hundreds of town mates, awed by his presence. Many were humbled by his return yet so much more were touched when every peso shared during the offertory he chose to turn over to the local church.
Their altar boy now back in the altar, still doing what he loved to do - serve God and share the Gospel of Christ. The big difference is that now his decades of dedication and passion for his Catholic upbringing earned him the distinction of becoming "Fr. Nilo."
In a full-page article written by Western Catholic Reporter (WCR) Ramon Gonzalez, it was told how even as a child, Fr. Nilo wanted to be priest. While many aspired to become doctors, lawyers and basketball players, all he ever dreamed of was to become a member of the clergy.
Dreams that were realized November 21, 2005 in the presence of his proud mother, Magdalena.
"The basilica was packed with a congregation comprised for the most part of Filipinos who made no secret of their delight at having one of their own become a priest," the article went. Archbishop Thomas Collins ordained Fr. Nilo assisted by more than 60 priests and seminarians.
"We don't do what we do for ourselves but we do all we do for the Lord Jesus Christ," Archbishop Collins said on Fr. Nilo's big day. "To be called to the priesthood is to be called to give your whole life to the service of God's people."
"In your sight we offer this man for ordination. Support him with your unfailing love," went the words of Archbishop Collins.
"I'm very happy now because I gave my son to Jesus Christ, the Saviour," a beaming Magdalena said in the WCR article. "He told me he was going to become a priest when he was in Grade 3 or 4. I said "yes" because he was always looking for God, he was always in the church. As a mother, I allowed him to follow his heart."
Sentiments shared by an uncle, Ilonggo businessman Chito Miclat.
"We are very proud of Nilo, our Fr. Nilo now. And we are happy that he is serving the Edmonton Archdiocese and very happy to see him and have him here for a while back home," Miclat said. "It is a blessing to have a priest in the family just as it is a bigger blessing to have him in the community."
Fr. Nilo considered Edmonton after being told by his uncle, William Angeles, of the need for priests in the archdiocese. That was in September 2003 where he then went further studies at Newman Theological College. His parish internship was under Fr. John Hesse at Holy Family Parish in St. Albert marked by a brief stint at Holy Trinity Parish in Spruce Grove.
The gift in Fr. Nilo Macapinlac. A childhood dream fulfilled.