Tony C. Diaz | The Pacific Voice Staff

Name: Fr Hector Ulysses R. Canon

Position/parish: Pastor, San Isidro Parish Malojloj, since July 2009

Birthdate: Nov. 7, 1971

Ordained: Sept. 29

Favorite saint: St. John Marie Vianney

Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 49:14-16

Pastimes: Basketball, volleyball, chess, ping-pong

Ordained a priest just nine years ago, Father Hector Ulysses R. Canon, is the young and dedicated Pastor of San Isidro Church in Malojloj.

Previously at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral, the 38-year-old priest will celebrate his one-year anniversary at the small but faith-filled parish in July. He was assigned Pastor of Malojloj July of 2009.

At first Father Hector wasn’t sure what to expect from the faith community of San Isidro.

Now, the youthful, good-natured priest from the Philippines is happy to tell others of the loving, caring qualities of the San Isidro faithful he considers like family.

“The people really take care of the priest and the parishioners are really supportive in every project,” said Father Hector.

“Maybe our parish doesn’t have that much of financial resources but we are blessed with people who are willing to share their talents.”

Named after St. Isidore, the patron saint of laborers and farmers, San Isidro Church and its people reflect the hardworking, dedicated, God-loving traits of the humble saint from Madrid, Spain.

San Isidro parish just finished celebrating its annual fiesta in honor of their patron saint last May 15. Like they do every year, Malojoloj parishioners rolled up their sleeves and contributed much of their time, talents and treasures to organize a wonderful celebration, which spanned many areas, the foremost being the Eucharistic celebration, novena and procession.

San Isidro has been small for many years but now is growing much larger. And much in the way God seemed to always provide for St. Isidore himself and his wife, also a saint — Santa Maria de la Cabeza, — Malojloj’s parishioners always find ways to nurture and provide for their church.

It’s that attitude of giving back to God for the blessings he’s given us, that prompted Father Hector to answer a call to the priesthood.

Father Hector became a priest “to respond to the call of God. I believe that He called me in this life. This is also the way to respond to His great love for me.”

Growing up in the Philippines, young Hector Ulysses was influenced by people around him who modeled the life of Jesus Christ.

“I remember when I was a little boy, there was a seminarian who served in our parish,” recalled Father Hector. “He really looks like a saint.  In a way he inspired me to take up this way of life.”

Father Hector studied at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Tabaco Albay Philippines from 1984-1988. He also underwent formation at San Carlos Seminary, Guadalupe in Makati, Philippines studying Philosophy and Theology 1991 to 2000.

He was ordained a priest Sept 29, 2001 at the Basilica of Immaculate Conception Manila Cathedral in the Philippines.

He also served as Assistant Pastor at the Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Quezon City Philippines Oct.-Nov. 2001; at Santa Rita de Cascia, Quezon City, Dec. 2001-Jan. 2002; at San Roque Pateros, Philippines Feb-March 2002; at San Jose Navotas, Philippines April-May 2002; at St Anthony de Padua Singalong Manila, Philippines, June 2002-Jan. 14 2003; and as Pastor of St John of the Cross Makati, Philippines, Jan.  2003-Jan. 2008.

Besides serving as Parochial Vicar at Guam’s Cathedral-Basilica, Father was also Vicar Forane of Our Lady of Guadalupe Vicariate 2004-2007, Philippines; Young clergy coordinator of the Archdiocese of Manila 2004-2007; Makati Coordinator of the First Congress of Clergy 2004; a member of Presbyteral Council of Archdiocese of Manila, 2004-2007; and Liturgical Coordinator of Makati 2003-2008.

The Year for Priests just ended and Father Hector counts as is favorite saint, the patron saint of priests, St. John Marie Vianney.

“His life as a priest is really beautiful,” said Father Hector. “He was a real priest. His life really attracts me. He is a model for me as a priest.”

Father’s favorite Scripture passage is Isaiah 49:14-16 which reads: “But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me. Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. See, upon the palms of my hands I have written your name; your walls are ever before me.”

“This reminds and assures me how God loves me much despite of my weaknesses,” said Father Hector.

Father grew up active in sports. His hobbies include playing basketball, volleyball, chess and ping-pong.

His greatest passion now is serving Our Lord and helping the people of God.

God Bless Father Hector! God Bless Our Priests!