Rev. Nilo Nalugon, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood with a special Mass at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. 

He was assigned to Holy Family effective Oct. 16, 2023, by Bishop Michael Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo.

Rev. Nilo Nalugon, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church

The following was provided by Ronnie Kidd, a member of Holy Family:

Father Nilo is originally from Duero, Bohol, Philippines. This small town, close to the ocean, holds a special place for him, as he grew up here with his parents, four sisters, and his twin brother. His father worked in the health care industry while his mother was a teacher for 38 years, teaching all of her children as they passed through 2^nd grade. His family was strongly Catholic, as was most of his community. 

His mother and father’s deep piety showed in their daily Mass attendance and the nightly rosary with the family. He watched his parents both volunteer at the church and give of themselves. His father was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and his mother was always with the different ladies groups and decorating the church. He even served as an altar boy and believes that his vocation to the priesthood came from his family and the environment of faith in which he was raised.

He entered high school at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary at the age of 12. The school was the finest in his area and many young men attended for the education even if they didn’t move on to further seminary study after graduation. Father Nilo did continue his formation at San Jose Seminary under his Jesuit formatters while doing his philosophical studies at Ateneo de Manila University. Upon college graduation, he took two years off to do mission and parish work and further his discernment. This was a special time for him as he worked as a teacher and lived in poor areas. He saw such a need in the people and this helped him decide that being a priest was what the Lord was calling him to do with his talents. 

After those two years off, he went back to San Jose Seminary to finish his theological studies. During his pastoral year there, he had an opportunity work within the community where he was immersed in the life of the people he would one day serve. He worked in a hospital, as a janitor, a farmer, and factory worker. He believes this time helped him better work with his parishioners because he understands more about their daily lives.

After ordination, an opportunity opened up to come to the San Angelo Diocese of Texas to do ministry. He saw that there was a need here for priests and after having such a strong experience during his mission work, he believed that God was calling him to our area to help serve the people of West Texas. He has been here since 1999, starting out in Abilene at St. Francis of Assisi & St. Vincent Pallotti parishes, which were combined for a while

He stayed there until 2004, when he was sent to Good Shepherd Parish in Crane and Sacred Heart in McCamey. Starting in 2008, he moved to Odessa and served at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. In 2010, Bishop Sis moved him to Ozona where he was pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Then in 2015, he had his longest assignment at Holy Spirit Parish in Sweetwater where he stayed until 2023 when he came to Holy Family in Abilene. Holy Family is proud to have Father Nilo as our shepherd as he is a warm and caring man who leads us with a kind heart that reflects the love of Jesus.

When asked why he wanted to become a priest, he said, “It may sound cliché, but I felt like it was a life where I would be fulfilled, where I could serve God and his people. I have always had a desire to serve others. I have always loved the church and the Lord.” As he fell in love with Jesus and truly got to know Him better, he wanted to strive to imitate Him in the way that He gave Himself and served others. That dimension of being sent out by the Lord called to him.

As a priest he loves being with the community and celebrating the sacraments. Of course, the Mass is his favorite, but the Sacrament of Confession also holds a special place in his heart. It is often where he most encounters himself truly as a priest, because in that sacred space he is having a one on one moment with someone who is truly bearing their souls and sharing something they would not tell any other person. They have faith that they are encountering God’s Grace and it is quite humbling, as well as an overwhelming responsibility. But he feels honored to be entrusted with this gift to bring Jesus’ healing and grace to the people most in need.

His greatest dream for the people he serves is that he can hopefully lead them to a better encounter with Jesus through his homilies and that they will feel that he knows them and relates to them and that they understand he is here to serve them. He recommends that any young men that might be considering the priesthood, first and foremost, become friends with Jesus. He says, “Don’t just know about Him, but build a relationship with Him. Grow your love for the Church. Spend time in the quiet silence with your friend Jesus in the Eucharist. This is the place where you will find meaning for everything.” He also encourages them to find what helps them relax. For him, he enjoys his friendships, a round or two of golf, and some tennis when he can find the time.

In his own words, “I am filled with thanksgiving and praise to God for reaching 30 years in the priesthood and also for the people who have been with me along the way through the years. I wouldn’t be here without those encounters and all the prayers and support of all the people. I truly feel so blessed.”