A Priest of God, A Servant of the Church
It was the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena when the eight of the eleven (11) children of Dionisio Trinidad de Leon and Amalia Julita Paguio Baluyot was born. The child, christened Ernesto which means resolute or serious, got involved in various church activities during his elementary days at Arellano (Orion) Elem. School. He served as a Knight of the Altar and choir member of the parish. However, his church activities were frozen when he studied at St. Jude College in Manila for his early secondary education. He returned to native Bataan and enrolled at Tomas del Rosario College for the completion of his high school degree.
San Carlos Seminary soon became his sanctuary as he pursued a degree in Philosophy to answer the call for priestly vocation. After two years, he moved out of the seminary and found himself enrolled at the Ateneo de Manila University where he was conferred with the degree. The university trained him to be a man for others. This is evident in the activities and programs he espoused which are aimed at helping other people without thinking of personal benefits and concerns. His exposure at the university emboldened his desire to be a man of the cloth which was influenced by his association with Rev. Fr. Butch Omaña who once served the parish.
The decision to pursue the vocation led him back to San Carlos Seminary for his Theology studies and successfully completed the degree. This led to his preparation for the priestly ordination. And on 04 December 1993, the people of Orion and parishioners of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish witnessed the sacerdotal ordination of Rev. Fr. Ernesto Baluyot de Leon and vowed to be a fisher of men, the theme he adopted for the sacred event.
Since then, Fr. Ernie has performed various tasks as a member of the clergy. He had his first assignment as Parochial Vicar of St. Peter of Verona in Hermosa and was transferred to the Parish of St. Francisco of Assisi in Limay, in the same capacity. After a year, the Parish of St. Roche in Lamao was entrusted to him. It was there that he devoted much effort because of the need to have a permanent parish church for the community of believers. Before his tenure as the Parish Priest of St. Roche Parish ended, the new parish church was built. Starting from nothing, he launched various fundraising activities involving performing artists to raise funds for the construction of the church. Although the interior still needed much, the church was functional when he left the parish to answer the call for a new assignment at San Ramon Nonnatus Parish in Dinalupihan. Again, he faced structural challenges in the new parochial assignment. But with the grace of God and the support of the parishioners, all challenges were overcome.
Before enjoying the fruits of his love and labor for the parish and its people, it was again time to move out for a new assignment. As an obedient son, he responded to the bishop’s order to lead the Nuestra Sra. del Rosario Parish of Pilar, Bataan. At his new parish, Fr. Ernie initiated the restoration of the church interior and ceiling and built a new parish hall and convent from the generosity of the people he approached for assistance. As in other parishes he served, when works are done, it was time to move out and face new challenges in a new parish assignment. Thus, from Nuestra Sra. del Rosario Parish, he packed his things and headed to St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Bagac where much things need to be addressed. From leaking church roofs, dimly-lit church interior and altar to neglected parish office, Fr. Ernie left no stone unturned to transform the church into what it is today, a pilgrim Church. And after the reglementary service at the parish, he moved to the St. Joseph Cathedral Parish in the City of Balanga. At the heart of the province, he again initiated moves to transform the cathedral into a church worthy of its stature.
Aside from his regular parish duties, Fr. Ernie also served as the Catechetical Director of the Diocese of Balanga with the primary duties to plan, coordinate, and oversee religious education and faith formation programs for all ages in the Diocese of Balanga. Likewise, he was vested with the responsibilities to develop and implement comprehensive, lifelong faith formation programs aligned with church teachings and diocesan guidelines. And additionally, he was in charge of the recruitment, training, evaluation, and formation for volunteer teachers and staff.
His dedication to the duties as did not go unnoticed. He was appointed as Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Evangelization and Catechesis (CBCP – ECEC).
He continued with his CBCP – ECEC duties even after his transfer to the St. Peter of Verona Parish in Hermosa, his initial clerical assignment as a Parochial Vicar. His legacy at the parish will be etched with the transformation of the idle buildings beside the parish church into income generating ventures. Through his tireless efforts, the parish now maintains a Multi-purpose Building and a Wake Chapel which cater the needs of the parish and the community.
Unluckily, Fr. Ernie breathed his last on the 13th day of June 2026, feast of St. Anthony of Padua, to fulfill his words that his priestly duties will end at the St. Peter of Verona Parish, the very first he served after receiving the Holy Order of Melchizedek.
For those who knew him well and worked with him, Fr. Ernie served as a catechetical leader in the country, helping strengthen the mission of forming catechists and handing on the faith with fidelity, clarity and pastoral love. He was a priest of God, a servant of the Church. At the altar, he offered Christ’s sacrifice with faith. In preaching, he proclaimed the Word with conviction. In service, he met God’s people with kindness. His priesthood was a life poured out for the Lord. He blessed, guided and accompanied the faithful. He formed catechists with patience and love. He carried a deep dream for catechetical ministry. He helped guide catechetical ministry beyond local boundaries and encouraged formation rooted in Christ and the Church.
Fr. Ernie believed that faith must be taught and witnessed. His mission reached parishes, schools and communities. He strengthened those who shared the catechetical mission and served with quiet dedication and pastoral concern. He walked with catechists as companions in mission and taught with clarity, humility and care, listened, guided and encouraged. He found joy in serving the people of God and gave himself to the work entrusted to him, He showed that ministry is both sacrifice and love. He shared faith not only by words, but by presence. His memory remains with those he served. His friendship strengthened many hearts. His laughter and kindness will be remembered. His dreams for catechesis continue in the Church. And the mission he loved is now entrusted to us.
As we lovingly remember his life, ministry, and the many blessings he shared with others, we entrust him once again to God’s infinite mercy and love. May the Lord, whom he faithfully served as a priest and shepherd, welcome him into the joy of His heavenly kingdom. Thank you for your faithful service to the Church, your dedication to catechesis and evangelization, and your witness as a shepherd after the heart of Christ.
May the Lord whom you have served so faithfully continue to bless you with joy, strength, and peace. May Our Lady, Star of Evangelization, accompany you always, and may the seeds you have planted continue to bear abundant fruit for generations to come.
Eternal rest grant unto Fr. Ernie, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
