On Holy Thursday, under the vaulted ceilings of the historic Manila Cathedral, an 85-year-old priest stood among his younger brethren, his voice steady and eyes gentle, as he renewed the vows he first made six decades ago.
Msgr. Roberto Espenilla, who has served as a priest for 60 years, joined more than 200 clergymen at the Chrism Mass presided over by Cardinal Jose Advincula, marking not only a cherished liturgical tradition but also a deeply personal milestone.
“I’m really happy,” Espenilla said simply, when asked how it felt to renew his priestly vows once more. “I’m still able to live for many years, and I’m still serving now.”
Despite being officially retired, Espenilla continues to serve as an attached priest at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati City.
He considers his ongoing ministry, even in his advanced age, “a gift of grace and a source of joy.”
A vocation that began in childhood
Espenilla’s vocation began in his youth, serving as an altar boy in his parish in Sorsogon.
“We had a group of friends, and we were befriended by a seminarian who invited us,” he recalled.
After finishing high school, he entered seminary formation, studying at the University of Santo Tomas and San Jose Seminary.
He was ordained in 1965 for the Diocese of Sorsogon, though the ordination took place in Manila while the country’s bishops were attending the Second Vatican Council in Rome.
His priestly ministry soon expanded far beyond his home diocese.
In 1974, he was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Manila at the request of the late Cardinal Rufino Santos.
“He told me, ‘I want you to be in Manila because I think you know how to relate with others,’” Espenilla said with a smile.
Vatican work and lay apostolate
One of the most fulfilling chapters of his priesthood, Espenilla said, was his work as a consultant for the Vatican’s Congregation for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People— a role he held for several years.
His service within the Church has also been extensive. As executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Lay Apostolate, he was instrumental in the development of the LAIKO building in Intramuros.
He also served as national chaplain to both the Young Christian Workers and Student Catholic Action, roles that deepened his connection to the lay faithful.
A milestone Mass
Although his 60th ordination anniversary falls in December, the archdiocese chose to honor Espenilla and some others during this year’s Chrism Mass — a liturgy where priests traditionally renew their vows of obedience and service.
“Celebrating my 60th anniversary is meaningful,” he said. “It’s a kind of recognition of what we have tried to do in the Church.”
He said he was especially grateful that Cardinal Advincula granted his and other senior priests’ request to remain attached to parishes despite their retirement.
Still guiding others
Espenilla currently serves as national spiritual director of the Philippines National Cursillo Secretariat, a role he has held since the time of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales. For him, spiritual direction remains one of the most vital aspects of priestly life.
Asked what advice he would offer young men discerning the priesthood today, his response was humble and direct.
“Ask the Lord for grace to see what He really wants,” he said. “And if it is God’s will, then follow.”
Simple words — yet spoken with the wisdom of a life fully lived in service.
