Friends and family — I’d like to take this time to say Happy Birthday to a special individual in my life. The pro-golfer, part time comedian, surf professional, voluntary Titleist brand representative, musician, a doctor of the soul (to many) and a dear role model — Father Rafael Lavilla.
I’m sure at his birthday bash many will have to hear me repeat my same generic speech about how much he means to my family and the community and blah blah blah. But to understand the big picture of the behind the scenes that his role as pastor and mentor entails, below are the moments I’ve been able to witness since meeting this man. And I quote directly from one of the families at a church he used to serve at, “You never know what will happen with this man. You’re either shedding some tears or laughing so hard.” Friends — here it goes.
Beloved Seasons
Everyone forgets I’m not from Jax
Academics then my career kept me here
I met father Raf the summer before my UNF freshman year
I was in an org called Youth For Christ
It’s 2017 and I gotta go to Jax beach
Our paths had collided he had a talk and topic to teach
The day before we had a leadership meeting and he stopped by
Because he heard we had Jollibee fried chicken and peach mango pies
He asked me what’s my name I told him it’s Jamie
He said sorry “I mistaken you for someone else who’s so much more pretty”
But here’s all the cool things he gets to do
Because he’s got a flock to tend to
We drive to Gainesville on a monthly cadence
To celebrate Filipino mass with this community
That continues to grow every time we see
Blessings for houses, cars, and the annual prayer for all pets, cute
animals
Daily and hourly he prays for our souls
Visiting the sick, group work outs, food drives
This career he chose isn’t nine to five
From ladies guild, youth ministry, KOC
He makes being in two places at once look easy
He’s always one call away
Whether it’s confession, weddings, baptisms or you just want to pray
He loves a good meal and some decent surfing waves
Or a trip to the driving range
You can catch him in the beaches biking or find pictures of him on Everest hiking
Simbang gabi, a Filipino Christmas novena
Golf with parishioners, or supporting coach Driscoll at the UNF arena
Philmont Ranch, World Youth Day, Eucharistic congress
He’s always present for the people and the Lord, it’s a bliss
Over the years he always had my back
And even the days I thought he forgot about me or he wasn’t proud
Deep down in silence he was praying and cheering for me and now it’s quite loud
My stomach is always full and my brain has jokes memorized
But more importantly my heart knows Jesus and how to love others in our lives
He’s shown me this by living like a saint
Keep praying we get more men who want to do the same
Happy birthday to the legend and the man, God please bless this mess
So he can continue to live out Your calling to his capabilities and his very best
Jamie Vergara 