Hundreds gathered at St John XXIII Parish in Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens on Tuesday 25 February 2025 to celebrate the life and legacy of Deacon Rodrigo (Rudy) Rupac; a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and servant of the Church.
His funeral Mass, held in the presence of family, friends, parishioners and clergy, was a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
The Requiem Mass for the repose of Deacon Rudy’s soul was concelebrated by the Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, and clergy from the Diocese. The church was filled to capacity, with standing room only at the back, reflecting the deep love and respect the community had for him.
At the front of the church, his mahogany coffin was surrounded by beautiful flowers, with a golden Euphonium placed on top, a symbol of his lifelong passion for music.
Hundreds gathered at St John XXIII Parish in Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens on Tuesday 25 February 2025 to celebrate the life and legacy of Deacon Rodrigo (Rudy) Rupac. Image: Christopher Rupac.
“He was very special to us,” said one mourner, seeking comfort from a friend.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent described Deacon Rudy as a “dedicated servant, leader, minister of God’s word, sacraments, and charity.”
He highlighted Rudy’s unwavering devotion to his family, calling him “a loving husband to Agnes, a devoted father to Clarina, Patrick, Mark, Joy, and Glen, a loving father-in-law, and a grandfather to nine adoring grandchildren.”
Bishop Vincent shared the story of Deacon Rudy’s early life in the Philippines, where he was raised in a devout Catholic family. At the age of 17, Rudy entered Maria Assumpta Seminary in Cabanatuan City. After a year he moved to San Carlos Seminary in Makati to pursue training for the diocesan priesthood, where he completed his tertiary education.
However, after years of disciplined study and prayer, Rudy felt a calling away from seminary life. He met the love of his life Agnes Salvador in 1975 and two years later they were married. In 1985, they moved with their young family to Australia to start a new chapter.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta concelebrated the Mass. Image: Christopher Rupac.
Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country, Rudy’s commitment to his faith remained strong. He quickly became involved in parish life, first at Holy Spirit St Clair, and later at St Andrew the Apostle Marayong, where he served as an acolyte, catechist, and member of the Legion of Mary, Hearts of Jesus and Mary Prayer Group, among other ministries.
“Some of whose parishioners are here this morning,” Bishop Vincent said.
In 2013, Rudy took a bold step and applied for the Permanent Diaconate program in Parramatta. After four years of formation, he was ordained a deacon.
Deacon Rudy and his wife Agnes shared their journey in a story in Catholic Outlook in 2017.
“I was privileged to have ordained him and accompanied him on a journey of the diaconal ministry,” Bishop Vincent said.
Rudy’s service as a deacon was deeply appreciated by the parish communities of St John XXIII Stanhope Gardens and St Anthony of Padua Toongabbie.
“Rudy always prioritised the Catholic faith, and how it should be lived out in whatever circumstances he found himself,” Bishop Vincent said.
Sadly, Rudy’s service was cut short due to illness, and he retired in early 2022. Bishop Vincent expressed the shock and disbelief that followed his passing, but also conveyed a profound sense of gratitude for Rudy’s life and legacy.
“No one would have predicted this,” Bishop Vincent said.
“But we also feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that he has blessed the lives and relationships of many – that he has enriched us with his friendship, his strong faith and his dedication to diaconal vocation.”
As Bishop Vincent reflected on Rudy’s life, he turned to the Gospel readings of the Prophet Isaiah, emphasising that those who serve selflessly and generously are promised a glorious destiny.
“The readings we have heard speak of God’s love which is stronger than death,” he said.
“In the Gospel, Jesus also speaks words of comfort and consolation to the humble and lowly. He assures them that divine justice will triumph.”
He added, “Despite all things to the contrary, those who stake everything on God’s promise, those who serve selflessly and generously, those who run in good grace and find a good fight – for them the glorious destiny.”
“Rudy has given his all to the church, especially here in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains,” Bishop Vincent said.
“He has accomplished his mission, and now there is nothing to wait for but God’s mercy and love.”
Deacon Rudy’s family gather together. Image: Christopher Rupac.
Rudy’s niece and daughter, Aizza and Joy, also shared heartfelt tributes.
Aizza spoke lovingly of her uncle.
“He was my spiritual director, my moral compass,” she said.
“He was the most compassionate person I know, he didn’t demand respect – but he deserved it.”
Joy tearfully recalled the week she spent going through her father’s homilies, and described him as “generous with his time.”
“If mum was the head of the household, dad was the heart,” she said.
She then quoted one of his many writings, which gave her comfort: “The heavenly state involves a body too – a transformed, transfigured, and elevated body… We are not less than a body in heaven, we are a super body.”
Deacon Rudy was laid to rest at Pinegrove Memorial Park in Minchinbury, following the Mass, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and service to his family, the Church, and his community.
Let us pray:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Please keep Deacon Rudy and the Rupac family in your prayers.
