Although Father Rene Labrador, the newest priest to call southwest Kansas home, is thousands of miles from his native Philippines, he has a friend in the diocese who offers a strong reminder of his youth.

Another Filipino priest, Father Bernard Felix, who arrived in the diocese in February, grew up with Father Rene in the same town, in the same Diocese of Boac, and together they attended the same Seminary and college, although Father Rene was one year ahead.

Along with Father Nicanor Ferangco, the three Filipino priests come to the diocese via an agreement started by former Dodge City Bishop Stanley Schlarman with the Diocese of Boac. In exchange for funding to support their diocesan vocations’ program, the Filipino diocese sends priests here to serve the Diocese of Dodge City.

Father Nicanor currently serves St. Nicholas, Kinsley; Father Bernard serves St. Bernard, Belpre and Sacred Heart, Larned; and Father Rene will serve St. Michael, LaCrosse, St. Joseph, Liebenthal, and Holy Trinity, Timken.

Father Rene was born in Gasan, Philippines to Ernesto and Aniceta. He has two deceased sisters and three brothers. Prior to entering the seminary at 16, Father Rene attended school while working with his father on his fishing boat.

"It was hard work," he said in near perfect English. "You had to stay awake at night. That’s when the fish came out. It takes patience and sacrifice."

During his youth, Father Rene developed a love for basketball, and when not watching "Air" Jordan and "Magic" Johnson battle it out in the NBA, he was playing on the varsity basketball team at seminary.

Soon after his ordination at age 27, Father Rene worked at St. Aloysius college seminary where, among his other positions, he served as "sports moderator," coaching and leading his team into the inter-seminary tournament.

His desire to enter the seminary came to him through the example set by his parish priest.

"My main intention was to serve Mass," he said. "I always attended Sunday Mass. I was very impressed with our priest. He captured my interest. He was very good."

Prior to coming to the Diocese of Dodge City, Father Rene served in the Diocese of San Antonio as a parochial vicar at St. Rose of Lima parish for a year. On weekends he enjoyed shooting hoops with youth from the local Filipino community.

In the Diocese of Dodge City, he said he will "adapt myself to their needs. I will become acquainted with the parish, feel what the needs are, and respond to those needs."

When asked what he enjoyed most about being a priest, Father Rene thought for a moment and responded, "In all humility, I am a friendly person. I enjoy being with the community. Even outside office hours, I am always with people. It means a lot to me as a priest to be close to people."