Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv DD STL, Bishop of Parramatta
Homily for the Funeral of Deacon Rudy Rupac
Readings: Isaiah 43:1-4; 2Tim4:6-8; John 14:1-4
Dear friends,
We gather to remember to our loving God the soul of Deacon Rudy Rupac who was a dedicated servant leader, a minister of the Word, Sacraments and of charity. He was, above all, a loving husband to Agnes; a devoted father to Clarina, Patrick, Mark, Joy and Glen; a loving father-in-law to their respective spouses and a grandfather to his adoring 9 grandchildren.
Born in the Philippines, Rudy was raised in a devout Catholic family. At the tender age of 17, he went into San Carlos Seminary to begin his training to the diocesan priesthood. After 4 years of regimented seminary life, with strict discipline and rigorous study, Rudy realised that God was calling him to a different vocation. Returning to his family home in Cabanatuan City, he completed his tertiary education. In 1977, he married the love of his life, Agnes Salvador. Then in 1985, with a young and growing family, the couple migrated to Australia and began to build a new future for themselves and their children.
Rudy always prioritised his faith and how it should be lived out whatever the circumstances in which he found himself. Consequently, no sooner had he settled in Western Sydney, he involved himself actively in the life of the local parish at St Andrews’ Marayong and Holy Spirit, St Clair. He served as an acolyte, a catechist, a member of the Legion of Mary, the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Prayer Group. In 2013, he took a bold step in applying for the Diaconate Program in Parramatta Diocese and after 4 years of formation, he was ordained as a deacon. I was privileged to have ordained him and accompanied him on the journey of diaconal ministry, as was indeed his wife Agnes, his family and the spiritual family with whom he served and shared his life, namely, St Anthony of Padua in Toongabbie and here St John XXIII, Stanhope Gardens.
Rudy’s service as a deacon was cut short by illness and he retired early in 2022. No one would have predicted this and so his sudden departure has left us, especially his immediate family with a sense of disbelief and an emptiness. 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, strong faith and dedication to diaconal vocation. Rudy has given his all to the Church, the spiritual family which he loved. He has accomplished his mission and now, there is nothing to wait for but God’s abundant mercy and love.
The readings we have heard speak of God’s love which is stronger than death. Isaiah consoles his people in exile that the time of their liberation is near at hand. They will be vindicated, redeemed and restored. Isaiah speaks about the trials and tribulations that the faithful would endure. He uses metaphors or images like deep waters, raging rivers and burning flames. Yet despite these hardships, God’s love will prevail and will see them through. Isaiah exhorts the exiles not to be afraid and to trust in God instead.
Similarly, St Paul encourages his disciple Timothy that there will be a crown of righteousness awaiting those who persevere in faith. Despite of all things to the contrary, those who stake everything on God’s promise, those who serve selflessly and generously, those run the good race and fight the good fight will have a glorious destiny. Paul assures us that the Lord will bring them safely to his kingdom.
In the Gospel, Jesus also speaks words of comfort and consolation to the humble and lowly. He assures them that divine justice will triumph. Just as he was able to carry the burden of the cross, with the strength of his faith in the Father, we too can do the same, with the strength of our faith in him. Jesus’ invitation to carry the yoke of loving service, then, is not a call to disengagement and flight in the face of challenges. It is as it were a summons to renew and re-energise our faith so that we can live a life of discipleship.
We give thanks to God for a life richly lived and generously shared. We use the words of Mary of Nazareth in praising God: “My soul magnifies the Lord, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant”. We salute a man who lived out his faith in generous service as a fellow Christian, a family man and an ordained minister. We commend him to the Creator God. We cherish his memories with profound appreciation. We accompany him with our respects and prayers, confident that the greater crowning awaits a life well lived and a mission well accomplished.
St Paul writes in another place “The life and death of each of us has its influence on others”. This has been so true of Rudy. His influence on us and the community that he loved will live on. It will eventually be gathered up and transformed with the power of the one who is the Alpha and the Omega of all that exists. As we remember him, our love is rekindled, our hope strengthened, and our commitment renewed. May Christ is the way, the truth and the life who has guided him in his life also guide us on our pilgrimage until the day we are reunited with him and all our deceased loved ones.
