Father Elbano was born on April 28, 1957 in Venezuela. He has one sister. He joined the Rock Hill Oratory in 2000, having worked before as an airline flight attendant.
His first priestly assignments in 2005 were part-time parochial vicar at Divine Saviour in York and All Saints in Lake Wylie. He presently serves as Administrator to Divine Saviour in York working with Father William Pentis as cononical pastor. He is available as needed to offer Masses in Spanish at parishes in the diocese. At The Oratory, Father Elbano is Prefect of Kitchen and uses his culinary gifts satisfying hundreds who come for retreats and workshops.
He rejoiced on September 16, 2009 when he became a citizen of the United States.
I came to the Oratory with great expectations. After having some religious experiences in different communities, I was praying to God for that special place where I could spend the rest of my life as a religious and a priest. Now there is no doubt that God has heard my prayer.
The Oratory in Rock Hill, SC is that place. God has many ways to talk to you, for example: through people, the Mass, reading the Bible, going to Confession or spiritual direction. My good friend Father Adilso Coehlo, who had joined the Oratory, told me about it and invited me to join.
My first year, called “probation year,” was good. I started to get to know my community members, the surroundings and some of our parishioners. I also began to know Philip Neri and his joyful spirituality. The second step of my Oratorian formation was “novitiate” which I truly enjoyed. I went deeper into studying the Oratorian Constitutions, Policies, Spirituality, Philip Neri and some other Oratorians.
After completing my first year novitiate, I was sent to Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans for my Theology studies. I was at the seminary for four years. My seminary time has been one of the most helpful, enjoyable and motivating times of my life.
The education and formation that I received at Notre Dame have helped to be in the place I am right now. Interestingly, God has a time for everything; I graduated in May 2005 just a few months before Hurricane Katrina that completely changed the life of Notre Dame Seminary and the City of New Orleans.
During my first year of ordination, I experienced a difficult and hard time which led me to go away from my beloved Oratory. My time away was a period of discernment, meditation, a lot of prayer, and spiritual direction. I could not understand what was happening to me; I waited so long to be a priest and suddenly everything was falling apart. The fact that I was requested to be in different parishes, the lack of mentorship, and the proper understanding of the formation to newly ordained priests put my life upside down.
While I was away, I returned to my former job as a flight attendant with Continental Airlines. I was based at Newark International Airport. I met people from all over the world and visited many places. I also realized that everywhere I went God was needed. Honestly, after about four months of my leave of absence, I wanted to come back to the Oratory; but it was recommended to me to wait longer for a better clarifying discernment. Gradually, God was showing me His will. In my last trip to Rome, while praying before the remains of our Holy Philip, I clearly understood that my place is here at the Oratory.
I have to confess to you that my time away was a time of healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. Now I have a better understanding of my life as a person, religious, and priest. I feel like a new person in Christ. When I celebrate Mass, I fully understand my unworthiness to be His priest, and at the same time, His Everlasting Love and Mercy.
My friends, I want to pray for the whole healing and recovery of the sock, the lonely, the homebound, the divorced, the ones who have experienced the evil of abortion, the abused, the needy, the ones who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, pornography, fornication, adultery, smoking and masturbation. I also invite all of you to attend Holy Mass regularly and make frequent use of the Sacrament of Confession.
At present I am assigned to Divine Saviour Church in York, SC. I am at peace. Father William Pentis is my mentor and I can consult brother priests when needed. I am trying to do my best in order to fulfill my priestly duties. Please come and pray with us.
Thank you very much for all that you have done for my fellow Oratorians and me..
