WelCom March 2022
Sue Seconi
Sadness, appreciation and gratitude to God were felt when Immaculate Conception’s Stratford parishioners gathered to celebrate with their parish priest Fr Adonis Rancho – affectionately known as Fr Dondon – at his last Mass on Sunday 30 January 2022, before heading home to the Philippines.
The parishioners had arranged a slide show to play at the end of Mass that captured many occasions during Fr Dondon’s three years as pastor. As he walked down the centre aisle for the last time, he was given a standing ovation and guard of honour.
‘I have mixed emotions,’ he said. ‘Sad to leave New Zealand where I’ve served for 12 years, yet happy to be going back to my roots in the Philippines. My bishop in my home diocese of Tagum has asked me to return and I will be closer to my parents.’
Fr Adonis came to the Palmerston North Diocese in October 2009 and served in St Patrick’s Napier, St Mary’s Taradale, as well as in Waipukurau, New Plymouth, Marton and Whanganui before being appointed to Stratford in 2019. He quickly gained a popular reputation and is well remembered for his personal warmth, melodious voice singing of the Eucharistic Prayer, encouraging lay ministry and his simple and effective homilies.
A friend to all, he will take many memories away with him – especially the wonderful occasions with his fellow priests, the ups and downs of serving in a different culture and the beautiful scenery.
‘Most of all it’s the parishioners who moulded and shaped me to be a better servant of God,’ said Fr Dondon.