By Aurora de los Reyes
Rector since 2014 of Lourdes School, Quezon City. Completed studies in Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 2004. Sought-after speaker. Rev. Fr. Albert S. Poblete, OFMCap. may easily be perceived as a perfectionist possessing superior intelligence, especially while listening to his homilies as he catechizes and preaches with passion. In trying to go beyond his veiled persona, Fr. Albert strikes one as having a simple, down-to-earth outlook on life.
The ninth child from a brood of twelve siblings, Fr. Albert came from humble beginnings. Sharing bits of personal stories in his homilies, we glean his deep filial love and respect for his father and mother as they struggled to provide the best life and education for every child in their family.
In his boundless zeal to communicate to the congregation the message of the daily Mass readings, he cites letters of Pope Francis and other books by revered authors, in addition to his own experiences and that of others. Some may regard this as a “ho-hum” sermon especially when he criticizes shopping malls for putting up Christmas décor months ahead of Advent season just to rake in more sales. Or when he asks the faithful to raise their hands if they wish to go to heaven, then still with hands raised, he asks who would want to die at that instant just to reach heaven. All hands slowly lower.
Perhaps one of Fr. Albert’s favorite stories was when his mother passed away in 2004 while he was in Rome for further studies. Being away from the family for years was lonely. As a son who was halfway around the globe, so far from his dying mother, it was unbearable. In grief, he desperately mourned for his mother, blamed himself for not being with his family when he was needed the most. He found consolation from Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” These words gave Fr. Albert an inner peace that he has held on until now.
Dear Fr. Albert, we rejoice with you today, on your 20th Presbyteral Ordination Anniversary, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. We pray that you will always be upon the intercession of our Blessed Mother who loves you dearly. We pray that you will be continually inspired to renew your vows and be strengthened by that peace within.
Photo Credits: Jorge Pineda III
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