“Ayaw niya ng pwede na iyan. Gusto niya ang the best. Napakasarap to offer ourselves as we have the honor that we are one of His chosen. “ [He does not settle for mediocrity. He wants the best. It is gratifying ….] - Fr. Albert Avenido, 2011
His quotes animate his life’s mission. Being a priest requires a person’s 4H’s: “one’s head to give to your studies, to understand issues that go beyond tithing; one’s heart to tend to concerns, one’s health to sustain service, one’s holiness to be like Him, and one’s sense of humor. He adds a fifth: “Kaloob ng Diyos is excellence.”
We attended mass on Sunday, May 1 at Divine Mercy. It was also Labor Day and the second Sunday of Easter at St. Stephen’s Church in Monterey Park. The attendees were a diverse, multi-cultural group. The congregation extended themselves to new members, with smiles and handshakes.
Flor, a parishioner for 30 years, shared “ I enjoy Fr. Albert’s personal friendliness to come to the school, he is willing and easy to get along.” Irene, a wife of a deacon, said “ I love Fr. Albert’s spirit, his enthusiasm, and his reverence for the Sacraments.” An Indonesian community leader, Soeriami spoke of how accessible Fr. Albert is.
As the Archdiocese’s moderator, he convenes the Filipino ministry—an umbrella organization which unifies different parishes around cultural events, relief efforts on disasters, Sinulog and Pilgrimages to Marian Shrines in the Philippines, novena masses and even fundraising concerts.
Fr. Albert is also part of the steering committee of the National Association of Filipino priests, convened by Very Reverend Vic Dela Cruz, a Judicial Vicar, under the leadership of Bishop Oscar Solis.
Consul General Mary Jo Aragon describes Fr. Albert’s smile as enough to lift her spirits up. Indeed, Fr. Albert’s cheerful and gregarious personality is infectious.
While he was an associate pastor of St. Michael’s and Diocesan Social Action Director of Zambales, Philippines, he advocated for the clean up of toxic waste left in the US bases. He witnessed the untoward health effects among the residents there. He participated in a lobbying visit to US Congress, along with Filipino American Coalition for Environmental Solidarity, to bring this compelling need to the American legislators’ awareness.
Even as he cared for the poor families who lived near the railroad tracks in the Philippines, Fr. Albert develops their potentials in economic self-reliance, by facilitating them to learn the technology of shrimp chip production, and arranging for their sales in a nearby school cafeteria, and assembling flip flop rubber slippers.
He has also been assigned to different parishes in California: St. Bernardine of Siena, Mary Star of the Sea, St. Pancratius, Port of Oakland, Archdiocesan’s Filipino Ministry, and St. Stephen’s. Each assignment taught him to relate with different cultures and to inspire them to care for the vulnerable and the poor.
In one parish, he led relief efforts for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy—400 plus balikbayan boxes were coursed through the Philippine Consulate. In another, he led parishioners in giving food and warm clothing for the folks at skid row during LA’s harsh winters.
His love for the poor is anchored on witnessing the good example set by his 70-year-old mother Amelita who cared for those with Down Syndrome. He believes that the poor have the potential to help themselves.
It is Fr. Albert’s infectious joy and boundless love for people uplift their spirits and inspire them to become the best that they can be.
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