OLEAN, N.Y. — For the past six months, Rev. Romulo Montero has become friends with parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Church, as well as learned the customs of the community and people of the Olean area.
From 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, St. John parishioners and area residents are invited to attend a celebration honoring the 30th anniversary of Montero’s ordination at the 931 N. Union St. church in Olean.
Patricia O’Malley, spokesperson for St. John’s, said Montero, who could not be reached for a comment, is a native of the Philippines and joined the linked parishes and shared clergy of St. John’s, the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels of Olean and St. Philomena Church of Franklinville last summer. Other clergy in the three linked parishes are Rev. Patrick Melfi, regional pastor; Rev. David Tourville, who serves as a regional parochial vicar with Montero; and Deacon Richard Matthews.
O’Malley noted that Montero was ordained in his home country three decades ago.
“He was assigned to New York City for several years and then he served in Tonawanda,” she remarked. “Now he’s residing at St. John’s.”
O’Malley said an interesting aspect of Montero’s presence in the community is that there is a large Filipino population in the area. She said many from the Filipino community are expected to attend and bring their native foods as well as some of their traditions to honor the new priest.
“He’s a very nice, quiet man, and he loves to garden, he loves the Yankees and he loves karaoke,” O’Malley said.
Church secretary Katie Barber said she and other parishioners “absolutely” enjoy the presence of Montero as the parochial vicar, where Melfi continues to serve as pastor.
O’Malley said she expects more than 115 people to participate from all congregations in the area to attend, but more are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun.
Along those lines, O’Malley said she and other church leaders hope area residents will attend to make Montero feel welcome in the community.
“It’s not about more in attendance, at this point it’s so people will know a little more about him,” she explained.
“And I guess they’re also bringing a karaoke machine,” she added with a laugh. “I’m learning a lot about the culture.”
