>Tribute to Rev. Br. Raphael Mario Toodle
Rev. Br. Raphael Mario Toodle was not just a mentor or a teacher to me; he was everything. His life was a rare gift to all who encountered him. He lived with such humility, love, and integrity that his example will be difficult, if not impossible, for others to replicate. I never saw any trace of malice or wrongdoing in him; anyone who thinks otherwise should first look within themselves.
At Notre Dame Minor Seminary Senior High School, he understood our silent struggles. He knew that many of us came from homes where resources were scarce, and he responded not with judgment, but with compassion. In quiet ways, through small but meaningful acts, he made us feel seen, valued, and dignified. His kindness carried us when words could not.
His life touched us deeply, and his absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled. Yet his love, his sacrifices, and his gentle spirit will live on in our hearts forever.