Fr. Josef Raoul Rodriguez, SJ

Entered the Society of Jesus: 2016

As a Jesuit: Father Rodriguez taught philosophy at Creighton University in Omaha, where he also assisted with music ministry and the university orchestra. He has worked in secondary education, youth and adult retreat direction and hospital chaplaincy, and he served as assistant conductor of the Kanesville Symphony Orchestra in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Currently, he serves as chaplain of the Boston College University Chorale and assists in pastoral ministry at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Brookline, Mass.

Assignment Following Ordination: Father Rodriguez will continue to pursue a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at Boston College. He intends to pursue doctoral studies in sacramental theology and liturgy while remaining actively engaged in music as a composer, singer and instrumentalist, performing on cello, trumpet and piano.

Expression of Gratitude and Inspiration: I am deeply grateful to God for his closeness since I first embarked on this vocational journey more than 20 years ago. It has been marked not only by trials and challenges, but also by profound joys and quiet victories. Just when I thought I had given the Lord the fullness of my earlier years, his mercy endured, gently revealing that the best is yet to come.

I am especially grateful to my mother, Wilhelmina, and to my late father, Raul, for handing on to me the Catholic faith in our Filipino tradition. From them I learned a personal love for Jesus and Mama Mary, as well as a deep affection for the Church. They encouraged me from an early age to serve in the liturgy. In many ways, my vocation was born from their witness.

I am grateful for the many formators—family, teachers, religious sisters and priests— who have accompanied me from my youth, through my years as a Legionary of Christ, and now as a Jesuit. They have shaped me as a minister, even forming me as a musician in praise of God. Above all, I thank those who have helped me see myself as a loved sinner, continually healed for the service of God’s people.

I would be remiss not to express my gratitude to Fr. Patrick Fairbanks, SJ, and Br. Jim Boynton, SJ. Father Pat’s wisdom and guidance during my time between religious orders was decisive; his style of priesthood was one I knew I hoped to emulate. Brother Jim, my vocation director, “went to bat” for me at every stage of my unique application process. He was both realistic and encouraging, helping me approach discernment with freedom and laughter in the Holy Spirit.