Diocese’s newest Filipino priest ready for ministry

Father Segundino R. Laude flew thousands of miles and spent two weeks in quarantine en route to joining the Diocese of Greensburg’s International Priests’ Program. 

He arrived in Greensburg March 22, and is busy learning about the new diocese where he will share his faith.

Father Laude, 49, is from the Philippines. He was ordained a priest in 1998, and has served in various capacities in the Diocese of San Jose de Antique.

“It was my bishop who requested me to come here and take part in the program,” said Father Laude. 

“Primarily, our ministry revolves around what kind of work we are supposed to do,” he said. “That work can include celebrating the sacraments of students in the Diocese’s schools to celebrating baptisms and weddings within small Christian community parishes. Our work really relies so much on programs set by the diocese, parish and schools where we are assigned.” 

He is enjoying what he calls his “OTJ” (on the job) training.

“I immerse myself in it. Every situation calls for an open mind, to learn to adjust, to deal with  people. That’s our life — we serve the needs of the people, of course, always under the guidance of the bishop,” Father Laude said.

He jokes that his fellow priests “have baptized me with (the nickname) Dino.”

And he is convinced that his lengthy travels and quarantine held some purpose in his serving with the Diocese of Greensburg.

“I was blessed to have left the country just before COVID spiked again,” Father Laude said.  “God must have intervened in my coming here. It’s really God’s plan.”

Following an orientation to life and ministry in the Diocese of Greensburg, he will receive a  pastoral appointment, said Msgr. Richard G. Curci.

Msgr. Curci is director of the Neumann House and associate director of the Diocesan International Priests’ Program.

“Part of my responsibility is to acquaint him with all levels of the Diocese,” he said.

The international priests, many of whom are from the Philippines, enjoy each other’s company and have “a great sense of fraternity,” Msgr. Curci said.

“In our areas, because of clustering — Uniontown, New Kensington, Connellsville and Lower Burrell — they tend to work under pastors in charge of several parishes,” he added. 

The Diocese expects that international priests will, as American priests do, serve the  sacramental needs of the people, Msgr. Curci said.

“I think (parishioners) are really grateful. They find (international) priests very likable and friendly, and are inspired by their sacrifice. They provide a challenge to consider the priority of faith in our lives. They remind us that they have been called to serve,” he said.