Father Alvin takes up the challenge at St. Francis Solano

The new priest at St. Francis Solano on heeding the call, tennis, Star Wars and the legacy of Father Mike|

Worshipers at a St. Francis Solano Mass a couple of Sundays ago may have been surprised to find a new priest presiding – Father Alvin Villaruel, who had not yet officially taken over as the pastor of the parish.

But Father Alvin knew he shouldn’t stand on a formality when the parish was in need.

“There was a void, so I needed to come in early. I celebrated the first Sunday Masses on Jan. 24. The 25th was my official start.”

The Philippine-born priest, who will turn 53 this month, comes back to Sonoma County to assume the duties of pastor at the 193-year old church, taking the mantle of the beloved Father Mike Kelly, who passed away early in December.

Though he’s still settling in and reacquainting himself with Sonoma – where he briefly served at St. Leo’s as an administrator in 2010 – Father Alvin was ready to speak with the Index-Tribune about his background, his goals and his calling.

Theology hasn’t been your only passion – we understand you’re an electrical engineer?

I’m originally from the Philippines, I grew up in the Philippines. I joined my family in Los Angeles in 1984.

I have a degree in electrical engineering, and that’s what I was pursuing when I came to the U.S.

What set you on your religious path?

One evening, I was on my way back from a bowling party (in L.A.) when my car was sideswiped. That changed my whole perspective in life, because I could have died in that car accident. I was a very spiritual and religious person coming from my family background. So I kept asking the Lord what I needed to do with my life, and went through discernment, sort of like a period of thinking. I set aside my own plans and followed God’s plans for me. I realized it was the priesthood.

When it was announced you were the new priest at St. Francis, several people in the community remembered you from Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa. What was your role there?

I was several persons there! I wore many hats. I was the chaplain, I was a member of the campus ministry, I was also a full-time teacher. And I was assistant coach for tennis.

How’s your backhand? Do you still play?

I want to! I’d love to play tennis again. I need to find some connections here though.

You’ve only been here for a couple weeks. How has your welcome from the community been?

I feel at home already. People are so supportive. During the Masses, of course, but people actually come to the rectory office to welcome me. When I try to support some of the local businesses, like the restaurants, they come up and say hi. It’s a very welcoming place.

How does it differ from your previous appointment, at St. Mary’s in Ukiah?

We’re sort of at a crossroads here in Sonoma, because it’s close to a lot of places. And this is a tourist destination. Ukiah is more of a smaller community. Anywhere I’d go there, everyone knew me – here, of course there are some people who are just passing through or just visiting as a tourist, then they wouldn’t know you until they actually go to church.

How did you find out about your appointment to Sonoma?

It’s part of the spirituality of the diocesan priest, to be transferred to another community where you can be of service. When Bishop Vasa called me and said, “We need you to bring the healing that is needed, because Father Michael was well-loved by the people,” I said yes right away.

Did you know Father Mike?

Yes, we were both deans of the diocese. A Dean is in charge of several parishes, working of course in conjunction with the Bishop. He was the dean of Sonoma south, and I was the dean of Lake and Mendocino counties. So knew him from that, and also as a priest we have some sort of brotherhood. He was a good friend.

Are you finding your way into the different communities in Sonoma?

I’ve been meeting different groups so I can be aware of what the needs are; I met with a lady (Claudia Mendoza-Carruth) who’s active in the community, and I talked to her about my desire to be involved in some of the social activities and community services that are available to us here in Sonoma. I’d like to support the film festival that as well.

I understand you’re a “Star Wars” fan. What do you think of the new one?

I was a teenager when the first one came out! It’s one of my all-time favorites. I’ve seen the last one too, which was actually amazing. This one had a heart, it had action, it was a combination of a lot of different things. But I watch all kinds of movies, I love them because it’s an art form.

Do you have any immediate plans for St. Francis Solano?

For now I just wanted to settle in and continue the legacy of Father Mike. I have no plans of making major changes, so whatever it is that is already ongoing I will continue, until I figure out what the needs are in the parish.

Email christian.kallen@sonomanews.com.

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