Fr. René Francisco Gerona, SVD recently had his thanksgiving mass at the St. John of Sahagun Shrine of Toledo City, province of Cebu. He was ordained in Chicago. Also present during the mass were Fr. Geronimo John “Gerry” Paat, Fr. Popo Perey, Fr. Jingjong Rocha, Fr. Jimmy Sales, Fr. Felmar Fiel and Fr. Roberto Ebisa.
Reception followed at the Consolatrix College of Toledo City. Augustinian Sisters and Holy Spirit Sisters also graced the event. His workmates, classmates, friends and relatives also joined him in and several of them were asked to recall their special moments with him.
Fr. René was a high school Math and Science teacher before he entered the seminary. He finished his Theology at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He has his cross-cultural training program (pastoral year) in West Virginia. He recalled his vocation story with fondness about the great things the Lord has done to him: “I gave up a good stable job for the sake of becoming a priest. Looking back, I am more blessed now than before. God indeed is generously providing my everyday needs!”
