I am Father Ritche Maguinda. I belong to a religious missionary congregation, the Societas Verbi Divini (SVD). I come from the Philippines and was ordained a priest on 5 March 2022.

I have two younger brothers. When I was six years old, my parents separated and left us with our grandfather. Sadly, he was not able to take care of us well. My siblings and I did not grow up together, nor under the guidance of our biological parents.

I was baptized Catholic but did not practice my faith until I was twenty years old. My guardians, who were close relatives, noticed that I had no interest in attending Sunday Mass. They invited me many times, but I kept refusing. Still, they persisted. One day, I finally accepted their invitation and attended Sunday Mass. I cannot clearly remember how I felt, but that one Sunday led me to where I am today. My guardians treated me as their own and in their poverty supported my education. They were very instrumental in my faith formation.

While serving our church as the youth leader, I met SVD seminarians. I joined a three-day search-in and took the entrance exams. I passed and entered seminary.

During my time in the seminary, I struggled to pay my tuition and board and lodging. My rector told me frankly that if I could not settle my financial obligations, I might be asked to leave. I did not lose hope. Instead, I prayed earnestly and said, “Lord, I believe You brought me to this place; please do something for me.”

One day, I met a couple who visited our seminary and learned about my situation. They promised to pay all my financial obligations and continued to support me until I became a priest. God answered my prayers through this generous couple. That experience convinced me that God truly called me to the priesthood.

And now, God has brought me to New Zealand and given me the opportunity to serve His people as a priest. Gradually, I am immersing myself and learning the beauty of culture, food, and language. One of the challenges I appreciate is the presence of different cultures among the parishioners.

Finally, I truly believe that everyone is called to serve God, but not everyone is called to become a priest. I am convinced that openness is very important in vocation discernment. Like many others, I once felt unworthy of this vocation because of my shortcomings. I am convinced that I am called and never forsaken.

Mark Naden presented to Father Ritche, at Miha Māori on behalf of the parish, a pounamu cross as a symbol of their welcoming him to the Gisborne community. They are grateful for his presence and ministry amongst them. Nau mai e Pā.

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