Rev. Fr. Rodelio Ignacio was born in November 1971 in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, Philippines, the youngest of three children of Severino and Linda Ignacio. Growing up, Fr. Rodel never imagined that he would become a priest. He was not particularly religious as a child and often resisted his parents’ insistence that the family attend Mass every week and dress in their Sunday best.

He attended public elementary school before continuing his education at Colegio De San Pascual Baylon, a Catholic high school. He later enrolled at Perpetual Help College of Rizal, where he studied Physical Therapy.

While in college, Fr. Rodel began a business supplying garments for factory workers in Manila. After three years of studies, he realized that physical therapy was not his calling and left school to focus on his growing business. For the next five years, he built a successful career in the garment supply industry. Although he continued attending Sunday Mass with his family, he was not deeply devoted to his faith at that time.

Fortunately, children mature and hearts change. Fr. Rodel’s life changed when he was invited to join a charismatic group called Singers for Christ. Through this experience, he developed a deeper relationship with God, especially through his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. He began spending time in Eucharistic Adoration daily.

“I talked to the Lord in Adoration and became close to the Lord,” he said.

Through prayer and discernment, Fr. Rodel realized that God was calling him to leave behind his personal ambitions and dedicate his life to the priesthood. Although his parents initially hoped he would marry and have children, they eventually became supportive of his vocation.

At 27 years old, Fr. Rodel faced an obstacle when he sought to enter Immaculate Conception Major Seminary in Bulacan because he was older than the usual age limit for acceptance. However, the seminary director recognized his vocation and allowed him to begin his formation in 1999.

Fr. Rodel graduated from the seminary with a degree in Philosophy in 2004. He later earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the University of St. Thomas Central Seminary in Manila in 2007. During his years of formation, he also remained actively involved in theological studies and ministry, serving as Vice President of the Theological Society, helping lead theological forums, and participating in conferences focused on the Ministry of Spiritual Liberation and Exorcism.

Fr. Rodel was ordained a priest on November 15, 2008, by Bishop Florentino G. Lavarias for the Diocese of Iba in the Philippines.

Following his ordination, Fr. Rodel served in various pastoral assignments in the Diocese of Iba, including parish ministry and school chaplaincy. In 2019, he came to the Diocese of Salt Lake City, where he first served as parochial vicar at Saint Mary Parish in West Haven. He later served at Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish in Park City and Saint Lawrence Mission in Heber City.

In August 2022, Fr. Rodelio Ignacio became the parish administrator of Blessed Sacrament Parish and School. He came to our parish from Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish in Park City and is honored to serve the wonderful parishioners, students, families, and community of Blessed Sacrament.

Fr. Rodel enjoys swimming, basketball, longboarding, and hiking. He is excited to continue sharing his ministry, faith, and love for the Eucharist with the Blessed Sacrament community.

“I have been so blessed by the Eucharist,” he said. “I believe in the Holy Eucharist and want to share its beauty and grace with others.”

The Holy Eucharist can change lives, he said. “It happened in mine.”