BONNYVILLE — Known for his infectious sense of humour, playful teasing and genuine compassion, Father René Realuyo has spent more than 15 years bringing faith, laughter and comfort to families throughout Bonnyville.

Now, after nearly 45 years in the priesthood, the much-loved priest is preparing for retirement this December.

On Sunday, October 18, parishioners, family and friends gathered to celebrate his upcoming 45th anniversary of ordination and recognize a lifetime dedicated to faith, service and community.

The celebration began with Holy Mass at St. Louis de France Parish, celebrated by Bishop Gary Franken of the Diocese of St. Paul, followed by an evening of dinner, fellowship and presentations at Notre Dame High School.

For many in Bonnyville, Father René has been much more than a familiar face at Sunday Mass. Over the years, he has become part of the lives of countless families, sharing in their celebrations, offering spiritual guidance and providing comfort during difficult times.

A journey that began in the Philippines

Father René’s journey into the priesthood began in the Philippines, where he answered his calling at a young age.

He was ordained on October 28, 1981, at just 25 years old, beginning a ministry that would eventually take him across the world.

His years of service included time in the Philippines and the Caribbean before his journey brought him to Canada.

For more than 15 years, Father René has served the Bonnyville community through St. Louis de France Parish, building relationships with generations of parishioners.

Throughout his ministry, he has also supported fellow priests within the Diocese of St. Paul, extending his leadership and service beyond the local parish.

A priest known for laughter and compassion

While 45 years of priesthood is a remarkable milestone, those who know Father René recognize him for much more than the number of years he has served.

His warm personality, quick wit and playful sense of humour have become part of what makes him so memorable to the people around him.

The anniversary program highlighted his generosity, genuine compassion and ability to connect with others through laughter.

Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr attended the celebration and reflected on Father René’s years of service.

“The true measure of a priest’s ministry is found not only in the years served, but in the lives touched along the way,” Cyr said.

During the celebration, Cyr also shared a passage from 1 Peter 4:10 about using one’s gifts in service to others, connecting the message to Father René’s lifelong commitment to his faith and community.

A community gathers to say thank you

Sunday’s celebration brought together the people whose lives have intersected with Father René’s ministry over the years.

The event was organized with the support of St. Louis de France Parish Council, volunteers and parishioners, providing an opportunity to recognize his contributions ahead of his official anniversary and retirement.

Father René will mark 45 years since his ordination on October 28, 2026, before retiring in December.

His retirement will mark the end of a significant chapter for St. Louis de France Parish and the Bonnyville community, where he has spent more than a decade and a half serving local families.

As Father René prepares for his next chapter, Sunday’s gathering was an opportunity for parishioners and friends to celebrate not only his years in the priesthood, but also the humour, kindness and compassion that have made him such a valued part of their community.