Rev. Martin Ramat

Fr. Martin Ramat writes: On Saturday, the 7th day of September 1974, I was born by Josefina Jovinal and Federico Ramat (deceased) in a small town of Echague, Province of Isabela, Philippines.  Blessed with two brothers and two sisters, we were raised in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines where I finished my grade school and high school.  When I was in high school, I was inspired by religious priests and diocesan seminarians.  Seminarians were visible in the parish and school; they facilitated our Vocation Awareness Retreat; they came to play friendship games, and they spoke about priesthood in our classrooms.  I tell you, they got me!  Here I am… After high school in 1992, I entered as a diocesan seminarian at St. Francis Xavier Orientation Seminary, in Baguio City, Philippines where we were introduced to seminary life for one year.  Upon the recommendation of the faculty, I continued my college seminary formation at San Pablo Major Seminary also in Baguio City where I finished a Bachelor of Arts major in philosophy.  After four years of philosophical studies, I moved on to Spiritual Formation Year (SFY), a non-academic pre-theology year where we focused on the spiritual, human (psychological) and pastoral (rural immersion and labor immersion) aspects of seminary formation. Following SFY, I worked as a pastoral worker in one of the parishes of my former diocese.  Then, continued my theological studies at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. To complete my experience to be a teacher from elementary to college levels, I decided to teach in the university after my second year of theology.  As I was preparing to leave the seminary, I was invited to be one of the formators (administration staff) in the newly opened interdiocesan college seminary.  The Local Bishop (the Chair of the Seminary Board) appointed me Dean of Students and Procurator of St. Dominic Seminary in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. Holding those two major seminary offices, I was also a professor at St. Mary’s University in Bayombong where seminarians are taking their bachelor degrees.  In 2004, I was accepted by our diocese to continue my seminary formation at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, California where I finished my Bachelor in Sacred Theology (an ecclesiastical degree) and Master of Divinity (civil degree).  After finishing my academics on theological studies at St. Patrick’s Seminary & University, I was accommodated by Fr. Benedict DeLeon (the Pastor) to spend my pastoral year in St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Oroville, California where I learned how to live in a rectory and to know what parish life is all about. On May 28, 2007, I was ordained as a transitional deacon for our diocese.  I exercised my diaconate ministry with joy and fulfillment in St. Thomas the Apostle, Oroville. On October 26, 2007 (4 months and 26 days to be exact), I was ordained to the Catholic Priesthood by His Excellency, Bishop William K. Weigand, DD at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacramento, California.  Bishop Weigand appointed me Parochial Vicar in this wonderful Parish of St. Isidore, Yuba City, California.  As a priest, I was sent to serve God in His people with love and humility bringing Christ to each one. I love singing, music and movies.  Being an extrovert, I draw my strength and inspiration from people and outdoor activities like boating, playing golf (just starting).  As I love nature, I document important events like going to the lakes, beach, visit orchards, vineyards and farms. (Webservant note: On February 15, 2010 Fr. Martin was assigned as Parochial Administrator to St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in Vallejo, California. He will be missed by his St. Isidore Community)

From the Desk of Fr. Martin
Fr. Martin's Holyland Pilgrimage of 2008
Fr. Martin's Ordination Music
Fr. Martin's Goodbye Potluck
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