Father Edgardo Caballero Bonghanoy, 52, was born on October 13, 1955, in Monkayo in the Davao region of the Philipines. He is the third oldest of seven children. Bonghanoy was ordained on April 22, 1980, and is a member of the Diocese of Tagum. He arrived in Hawaii in July 1994 “on loan” to the Diocese of Honolulu. He served in the Office of Filipino Ministry from July 1994 to 1997 and on the Big Island at St. Theresa Parish in Mountain View from July 1997 to 2004 and at St. Joseph Parish in Hilo from July 2004 to 2006. Father Bonghanoy is currently the pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Pahoa on the Big Island where he is affectionately known as Father Bong. He recently answered five questions about himself.

1. What is your favorite childhood memory?

My first day serving as an altar server and responding to the prayers at Mass in Latin.

2. Which person have you admired most in your life and why?

My bishop, Bishop Joseph Reagan, a Maryknoll priest, from when I first entered the high school seminary up to the day of my ordination to the priesthood.

3. What is your favorite Bible passage?

Matthew 6:33. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.”

4. What is the biggest challenge facing the Catholic Church today?

How to make the Gospel message relevant to our youth of today and how faithful parishioners can be signs of hope for the church’s mission.

5. Any final comments?

Just a line of advice to those around most in the church. If you do not get what you like, like what you get.