A chat with Fr. Tugano

Where are you from?
I was born in the Philippines and I have one brother and two sisters. I was the second oldest. Before coming to Canada, I served six parishes in the Philippines, with the last one being St. John the Baptist, where I served as pastor for 10 years. I came to Canada in November 2009.

Tell us about your vocation
Ever since I was a little boy, I was already attracted to the priesthood. I remember playing with my friends when I was a child, I would pretend that I was a priest, and with biscuits in my hand, I would “give them Communion”. My vocation was also inspired by my father’s priest friend, whom I admired. My older brother went to the seminary before me, and I followed him.  Although he did not follow through the priestly vocation, I did.

I remember feeling fearful before my ordination. I was afraid of not being faithful to my ministry, but a Jesuit priest who was a professor and spiritual director at the seminary told me, “Just be faithful each day and you will make it”.

What’s your favourite prayer?
My favourite prayer is the Rosary. Even as a child, I would pray it while riding my bike. Whenever I travel or wherever I go, I pray the Rosary.

How do we get closer to Jesus? 
Spend time praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

Any advice for those discerning their vocation?
I am very happy in my vocation. Life is about being with Jesus. Being a priest has filled my life with happiness. 

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Fr. Benedicto Tugano IV

Fr. Benedicto was born in May 1967 in Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines and was ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 1995 at Immaculate conception Cathedral by Most Rev. Manolo Delos Santos.  Father Tugano came to Canada the same year he was ordained where he was associate pastor at Sacred Heart Church, Calgary.  He served at St. Anthony’s Parish (2011-2013) and St. Albert the Great (2013-2015) as associate pastor. In August 2015, he became pastor of St. Peter’s in Milk River and St. Isidore Mission-Allerston. Father Tugano has been serving as pastor of Holy Cross Church in Fort Macleod since August 2018.

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Interview conducted by Anne Marie Brown