Martyr of the Faith and Peace: The Life of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF

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Source: Servant of God Fr. Rhoel
Gallardo, CMF FB Page

Martyrdom often conjures images of a bygone era of saints and distant persecutions, of Christians being burnt at stake, of men, women and children being fed to lions.  Something that seemed very distant and unreal, or even surreal, in this day and time of technological advancement and the world wide web.  

The story of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF brings this profound witness into the contemporary world, where unfortunately, martyrdom has also taken a derogatory meaning and has been used to refer to people who uselessly and foolishly suffer (Tagalog: martir).

Fr. Rhoel's life and death serve as a testament to the enduring relevance of service, sacrifice, compassion and resolute faith amidst modern forms of persecution and oppression.  His story transcends the tragic circumstances of his death, offering a compelling narrative of courage and conviction that continues to inspire and challenge us today.

Early Life: Foundations of Faith

Fr. Rhoel Gallardo's Parents
source: https://www.facebook.com/cmfphil75 

Born on November 29, 1965 in Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines, Rhoel Dayap Gallardo was the second of five siblings in a devout Catholic family.  His parents, Dominador and Raquel Gallardo, nurtured a home environment steeped in faith and service.  From an early age, Rhoel exhibited a deep sense of spirituality and a desire to serve others, qualities that would later define his vocation.  

Embracing the Mission: Vocation to the Priesthood

In 1988, Rhoel joined the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly known as the Claretians.  He made his first religious profession on May 1, 1989, in Isabela, Basilan, and was ordained a priest on December 6, 1994, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Quezon City.  He was fondly nicknamed by his peers and confreres "little Claret" for his small stature and saintly manner.  Although he was small in stature, he was certainly huge in faith.

The Claretian Missionaries are dedicated to evangelization, particularly in areas facing significant and even difficult challenges.  Fr. Rhoel's assignments reflected this mission:  He served as Coordinator of Catechists in Zamboanga, Postulant Director in Bunguiao, and later as Parish Priest of San Vicente Ferrer Parish and Director of the Claret School in Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan.  His pastoral year in Maluso, Basilan, profoundly impacted him, as he wrote:

"My pastoral immersion in Basilan last year made me experience concretely our witnessing and evangelizing life and mission to the poor as well as our community's presence in the dialogue of life and faith with our Muslim brothers and sisters.  These experiences as a whole have become a real challenge to me to be a committed missionary and active witness to God's liberating love for humanity."

These words, coming straight from his heart, underscore Fr. Rhoel's deep understanding of his mission  - not merely as a duty but a profound calling to serve and bridge divides.  His words resonate with sincerity and a genuine desire to embody the love and compassion central to his faith.

Martyrdom Amidst Conflict:  The Ultimate Sacrifice

San Vicente Ferrer Parish, Tumahubong
Source: Servant of God Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF FB Page

On March 20, 2000, the Abu Sayyaf Group, an Islamist separatist organization, attacked the Claret School in Tumahubong, abducting Fr. Rhoel, five teachers and 22 students.  The hostages were held in captivity for 43 days under harrowing conditions.

Throughout this ordeal, Fr. Rhoel exemplified pastoral care and resilience.  He provided spiritual and emotional support to his fellow captives, leading them in prayer and offering comfort in their distressing situation.  Despite being tortured - his fingernails were removed - and pressured to renounce his faith, he remained steadfast.  On May 3, 2000, Fr. Rhoel, along with three teachers and five students, was executed.  His body bore three close-range gunshot wounds.  

Fr. Rhoel could have suffered foolishly, to the standards of a secularist mindset.  He might be a fool, a fool for giving up his life for Christ!  And in so doing, he has also gained all in Christ.

Contextualizing the Martyrdom: A Landscape of Tension

Fr. Rhoel's martyrdom occurred within a complex socio-political and religious landscape.  Basilan, predominantly Muslim, has long been a site of tension between various groups.  The Abu Sayyaf Group, seeking to establish an independent Islamic state, often targeted Christians and symbols of Western influence.  Fr. Gallardo's commitment to interfaith dialogue and education placed him at the intersection of these conflicts, making him a target for those opposing such efforts.

The Path to Sainthood:  Recognizing a Martyr

Recognizing his steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifice, the Claretian Missionaries initiated the cause for Fr. Rhoel's beatification.  On May 3, 2021, the 21st anniversary of his death, Bishop Leo Dalmao of the Territorial Prelature of Isabela officially opened the diocesan process for his beatification per viam Martyrii (by way of martyrdom).  This process acknowledges Fr. Rhoel's death as a direct result of his refusal to renounce his faith. 

In honor of his legacy, the Claretian Province in the Philippines was renamed the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province in November 2021.


Claretian Philippine Province was
renamed Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province
Source: Claret School of Zamboanga FB Page


Legacy and Inspiration:  A Call to Witness

Fr. Rhoel's life and death continue to inspire many.  His story has been depicted in the film "In Thy Name", released in 2025, bringing his narrative to a broader audience.

Moreover, the Claretiano Para Sa Mga Isko ni Gallardo Campaign, a scholarship program named in his honor, supports indigent students in regions he served, continuing his mission of education and interfaith harmony.

Embracing the Challenge of Faith

Fr. Rhoel Gallardo's martyrdom is not merely a historical event but a profound expression of the power of faith, courage and love in the face of diversity.  His life challenges us to examine our own commitments to peace, interfaith dialogue, and service to others. As we reflect on his sacrifice, may we find inspiration to live out our faith with similar conviction and compassion.



References

"On the Road to the Opening of the Process of the Cause of the Martyrdom of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, Claretian Missionary from the Pilippines." CMF Postulazione.  Accessed April 2025.  www.claret.org/postulgen/en/road-to-the-opening-of-the-martyrdom-of-fr-rhoel-gallardo-claretian-philippines/?

"Priest's family wants Sayyaf head captured." accessed April 2025. Philstar.com

"Rememering Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF: Martyr for Peace." accessed April 2025. https://www.filcatholic.org/remembering-fr-rhoel-gallardo-cmf-martyr-for-peace/

 


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