Remembering Father Raymond Hober: A dedicated missionary and beloved water diviner

Father Raymond Hober, SVD, 92, passed away on August 3, 2024, at 6:45 p.m. at the Techny Residence, as announced on social media by the Societas Verbi Divini (SVD) or the Divine Word Missionaries.

People from Mindoro Island, where he served for many years, have taken to social media to express their gratitude and prayers for the beloved missionary.

“He became popular in Mindoro with his tiny iron bars that detect water sources. He also assisted my father in locating the water source for our pipes in our village in Libis (in Calapan City),” shared Carole Diamante, senior consultant on Indigenous Concerns at the Asian Development Bank, in an exchange of emails with Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) on Tuesday afternoon.

A long-time missionary to the Philippines, Father Hober was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was first assigned to the Philippines. During his 41 years there, he served as an English teacher and held various administrative positions, including director, assistant superintendent, and principal.

“He was diligent in doing rounds at the school campus with his big dogs. I can’t forget the time when he installed a prayer room in the main building. He was strict but understanding. You will be remembered forever,” said Dr. Patricia Caballero, who was a student at the Divine Word College of Calapan and is now a medical specialist at Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital.

According to the SVD post, Father Hober held many finance-related positions for the Mindoro Province, including provincial treasurer, district treasurer, and finance officer. He was also known throughout the region for his water divining and well-digging efforts.

In 2001, Father Hober was transferred to the Chicago Province and assigned to the Pittsburgh Community, where he engaged in pastoral ministry until his retirement to the Techny Community on October 16, 2016.

As for the program commemorating his passing, the Office of the Dead will be held on Thursday, August 8, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m., which will be livestreamed on YouTube.

Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Techny, Illinois, with lunch at the Divine Word Residence, Techny. Funeral arrangements are being handled at the Divine Word Residence Chapel.

Father Raymond Hober's legacy as a dedicated missionary, educator, and water diviner will continue to inspire those who knew him and benefited from his unwavering commitment to service.