Father Rafael Lavilla

Father Rafael Lavilla was born and raised in Pineda, Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on September 13, 1976. His journey in the Catholic Priesthood began when he entered the Oblates of St. Joseph Minor Seminary on June 7, 1990, embarking on a 15-year priestly formation process. On November 25, 2005, he was ordained to the Sacred Order of Presbyterate at Santuario De San Jose Church in Manila, Philippines.

In August 2008, Father Rafael Lavilla arrived at San Francisco International Airport to serve as a missionary priest in California. Five years later, on February 14, 2013, he moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to join the Diocese of St. Augustine. Then, on December 17, 2019, he incardinated to the Diocese of St. Augustine as a priest in good standing.

In the Diocese of St. Augustine, he served as Parochial Vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Orange Park, St. Paul Catholic Church in Jacksonville Beach, and Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Jacksonville. From 2019 to 2024, he was the Pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Mayport Rd. Atlantic Beach, FL, navigating the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, Father Rafael Lavilla serves as the Pastor at St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Ponte Vedra, Florida. He tirelessly continues his priestly vocation in persona Christi, serving and pastoring the Catholic community of Nocatee, FL.

Phone: (904) 330.0153 ext. #101

Email: pastor@nocateecatholic.com