FATHER Jose Roberto T. Arong is an associate pastor at Sacred Heart in Oakland California. Aside from being an associate pastor, he is serving as vocation director for the Pacific area of his religious community, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate as well as a national consultant for the Office for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees, National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Father Arong is known as an active with the Filipino Cursillo movement.
In 2009, Father Arong celebrated his 50th year of religious life. And he’s still going strong.
In an interview for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), Father Arong said the most fulfilling part of serving God all these years is being able to preach and provide spiritual guidance.
“People tell me that I am very good at this and I thank God for that gift,” he said.
“I cannot think of one event that stands out, just that whole area of ministry.”
“50 years is a long time,” he added. “But it passes by before we know it. And I am left with a deep realization that all those years as an Oblate are all gifts - pure gifts. More than ever I am aware of how unworthy I have been of that gift. I guess this is what ‘gift’ means... something we do not deserve but are surprised with. It is so great a gift that I know I will never be able to thank God enough for it.”
Prior to serving as associate pastor at Sacred Heart, Father Arong served as president and director at Notre Dame of Greater Manila.
According to his bio, he was born in 1937. He took his first vows in 1959, and his perpetual vows in 1962. He was ordained priest on April 4, 1966.
He spent his early missionary life in the Vicariate of Jolo where he served as a missionary and educator.
He also holds a Doctorate degree in International Development Education from Stanford University, a Master’s Degree in Anthropology from the same university, a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from the San Jose Seminary.
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