THE pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Wahiawa, Hawaii, Rev. Edgar Brillantes, was born in Davao and raised in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. The oldest of eight children, he entered the minor seminary at 13. He was ordained on April 14, 1980, for the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia where he served at various parishes. He earned a licentiate in sacred theology in Rome before serving as a seminary teacher.
In 1999, Father Brillantes came to Hawaii to work in the Filipino Ministry and as administrator at St. John the Baptist, Kalihi. He’s also been administrator at St. Joseph and Malia Puka O Kalani Parishes on the Big Island. Father Brillantes was incardinated into the Diocese of Honolulu and is now pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Wahiawa.
In an interview with a Catholic publication, Fr. Brillantes said that he grew up on the farms in Ilocos with his grandparents, tilling the land, harvesting rice, tobacco and vegetables. “We made slingshots to shoot birds, flew kites, played spinning tops. We had fun even without Nintendos or iPods. After school, I would pasture the carabao [water buffalo] while riding on its back,” said Fr. Edgar.
If he did not become a priest, Fr. Edgar admitted he would have chosen to be a farmer. “The country life fascinated me so much I wanted to be a farmer or agriculturist. I loved the idea of throwing seemingly insignificant seeds and then waiting and watching them sprout into bountiful harvests providing food and giving life. It’s a simple, uncomplicated life.
Fr. Edgar’s favorite Bible passage is Isaiah 6:8. “Here I am, send me!” He explains, “It’s my ordination theme. The Lord has sent me to different places even beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve been to Rome, Fatima, Lourdes, the Holy Land, the Mainland and Hawaii. So, be a priest and see the world!”
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