Newly-ordained Filipino Deacon Deacon Raymond Torralba, PhD

By: Lourdes G Mon

 

In 2018, Dr. Raymond Torralba was the recipient of the Distinguished Asian Professional, awarded by Asian Chronicle USA TV Program. His academic achievements and professional accomplishments brought about excellence in his many years of dedicated teachings, and mentoring of young minds. He received his doctoral degree at Texas A&M University. Inducted into the Phi Lambda Upsilon Honor Society, for his exemplary academic achievement. Dr. Torralba went on as a postdoctoral research fellow at Cornell University and University of Maryland in the laboratories directed by prominent scientists, including a Nobel Prize winner. He was an Adjunct Professor at De Paul University and a faculty member at Truman College.

One would think that Dr. Torralba has reached the pinnacle of success. What more in his life needs to be fulfi lled? Well, he enrolled and completed a comprehensive, four-year program through the Institute for Diaconal Studies at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. The program includes human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral dimensions of formation and a year-long parish pastoral ministry internship. This program is mandated by both the Vatican and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Last May 14, 2022, Deacon-Elect Ray Torralba was ordained a permanent Deacon, one of twenty, along with wife Pearl, in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The ordination took place at Holy Name Cathedral. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, was the main celebrant at the ordination. Deacon Torralba was assigned to St. Padre Pio Catholic Church in Chicago. Here, he celebrated his fi rst mass and delivered his fi rst homily, concelebrated by his pastor, Fr. Aloysius Funtila, and assisted by Deacon Juan Ramirez. Eighty year-old Mom, Rosalinda, arrived from the Philippines to attend and witness these two auspicious and momentous events in her son’s religious life.

Prior to entering the diaconate program, Ray volunteered at PADS Emergency Shelter Program. He was a volunteer catechist, coordinator of altar servers, a lector, as well as participated in the “Simbang Gabi” celebrations. In 2017, he received the Christifi – deles Award from the Archdiocese of Chicago, a Catholic laity award for parish life called by the pope “Christifi deles Laici.”

When asked at what stage of his life, did he decide to enroll in the diaconate program, and his inspiration for doing so, he responded, “Upon the encouragement of Deacon Juan Ramirez (then at St. Hilary Church, now at Mary, Mother of God Parish) and with the support of my pastor, Rev. Aloysius Funtila, I decided to apply to the Institute of Diaconal Studies at University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein in 2018. My daughters Gabrielle, Raphaelle and Michelle, are all quite independent at that point and it seemed to be the proper time to discern further what the Lord is calling me to do.” Seemingly, God had his own timeline for Deacon Ray. “I attended an informational meeting about seminary life and the priesthood when I was 13 but the desire for priestly life was not clear nor strong then.”

His wife Pearl, also with a PhD, entered the program in support of her spouse. Though not called to be an ordained minister in the Church, her role includes providing support and integrating the changes that may aff ect their marriage and family life. Deacon Ray explains, “There has been an enhanced awareness of our Lord’s presence in our relationships within the family and by extension, within our work/ school and community. It no longer seems like we are choosing what we do for the Lord but rather accepting what He chose for us to do. As He said, “I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.” Everyone in the family recognizes the commitment we have made and welcomes the challenges, eff orts, and rewards that accompany that commitment.”

Deacons perform weddings, baptisms, preach homilies, house visits, funerals, provide marriage prep and teach RCIA. They go where needed. They assist priests in bearing the often weighty role of ministry to the body of Christ, while also serving their own unique purpose and role in the parish.

In academia, Deacon Ray remains a Professor of Chemistry at City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S. Truman College, but ended his term as Director of the Chemistry Tech Program, as VP of Faculty Council, and as curriculum facilitator there. In 2018, he ended teaching at De Paul University.

In Deacon Ray’s words, “Passion to serve others, is borne out of my strong faith and devotion to Catholic social teachings.”