Faces of Faith: Maria Nicole Ringor

Silent Grace: A Deaf Altar Server's Story of Faith Beyond Words

by Katya Santos, Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa

From barangay of Inagawan in Puerto Princesa - where the missionary footsteps of St. Ezekiel Moreno once stirred hearts and planted seeds of faith - comes a young girl whose silent devotion continues that sacred legacy. Maria Nicole L. Ringor, 15 years old and a Grade 10 student, serves as a Knight of the Altar at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish with a grace that speaks louder than sound. Though she cannot hear and speak, her presence at the altar resounds with courage, love, and a deep trust in the Lord.

As the Church prepares to celebrate the feast of St. Ezekiel Moreno on August 19, Maria Nicole’s story reminds us that mission is not measured by volume, but by fidelity. Like the saint who once ministered in Inagawan with quiet strength and tireless compassion, she too walks a path of service that inspires and uplifts.

A Life Beyond Silence

Outside the church and classroom, Maria Nicole is full of life. She enjoys spontaneous outings with friends, joins barangay zumba during fiestas, and cherishes time with her family. “I enjoy hanging out with my friend punta kung saan saan,” she shares, her words a blend of youthful joy and heartfelt simplicity.

She also danced in a 400 YOC music video filmed at “Balon Pari”; a site steeped in local religious memory. Her graceful movements, though silent, became part of a visual prayer - a tribute to faith expressed through art and community.

When asked to describe herself in three words, she answers without hesitation: kind, beautiful, deaf. It’s a declaration not of limitation, but of identity - one she carries with quiet pride.

A Calling Born of Love

Maria Nicole’s journey to the altar began with curiosity and a heart full of love for Jesus. “I just wanted to be one,” she recalls. “So, I asked my little sister Camelle if she wanted to join too. Then we asked Tita Cha.” That simple act of asking opened the door to a ministry that would shape her faith and courage.

Her hearing impairment never stood in the way. “Despite being hearing impaired, I love Jesus,” she says. “That’s why I choose to serve, even though I can’t hear.” Inspired by her older sister, Ate Mariane, who once served as a Knight of the Altar, Maria Nicole found not only a role but a purpose.

Challenges Met with Courage

Serving at the altar comes with its own set of challenges. “I sometimes make noises when putting the instruments in place because I can’t hear them,” she admits. “At times, I also find it hard to catch up.” Yet she prepares herself with a simple but profound ritual: clearing her mind and remembering why she serves. “I love the Lord - that’s why I’m doing this.”

Her confidence grows with each rotation of service. “I already know what to do. That gives me enough confidence to focus. There’s really no choice but to do it well.”

A Community of Support

Maria Nicole’s fellow altar servers and parish leaders have embraced her with open hearts. “They treat me like everyone else,” she says. “They don’t make me feel left out and always make sure I’m involved.” That sense of belonging has become a source of strength. “It means a lot. It makes me feel that I am not being discriminated against.”

Her presence at the altar has quietly inspired others. “Maybe yes,” she reflects, “because I’m different from them, it makes my service feel special.”

Faith That Transcends Sound

To Maria Nicole, Jesus is more than a figure of faith—He is her protector and guide. “He is my God, and I follow Him because I know He will take care of me.” Her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” - is not just a line from Scripture, but a lived truth.

Standing at the altar, she feels confident and calm. “I’m used to it now. At first, I was nervous, but now I’m confident to serve for the people and especially for the Lord.”

A Message to the Fearful

To other young people who feel limited or afraid to serve, Maria Nicole offers a message of hope: “As long as you are able, and if you find a church that makes you feel involved, go for what you truly want to do.”

Her dreams are simple yet profound: to be successful, to strengthen her faith, and - if granted a special wish - to hear. “Life may be unfair to us who are different,” she says, “but we can still do our best and not settle for what others think about us or our abilities.”