He was appointed Rector of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Manila Metropolitan Cathedral, on November 23, 2022 after serving as parish priest of the San Fernando de Dilao Parish in Paco, Manila for 12 years.
Msgr. Rolly was born on January 24, 1959 and grew up in Malabon City. He is the first of seven children of Carlos dela Cruz (+) and Basilisa Ramos.
He studied in Tañong Elementary School Unit I in Malabon City for his primary education and the Arellano Memorial College in Malabon City for his secondary education.
He took his seminary formation in San Carlos Seminary, Makati City, where he took up his Philosophy and Theology studies. He took up post-graduate studies in Dela Salle University in Taft Avenue, Manila where he obtained his degree Master of Education, Major in School Leadership in 1997.
Msgr. Rolly was ordained deacon by His Excellency Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani on March 26, 1985 at the San Carlos Seminary Chapel and then was appointed resident deacon of Immaculate Conception Parish Pasig under then parish priest Bishop Manuel C. Sobreviñas.
He was ordained priest by His Eminence Jaime L. Cardinal Sin on October 5, 1985 at the Manila Cathedral, and then served as parochial vicar of the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Makati City. He was then transferred to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary in Makati City where he served as Spiritual Director and Prefect of Discipline from 1985 to 1989.
Msgr. Rolly served as parish priest of San Gabriel Parish Kalookan (acting) in 1989, San Roque de Alabang Parish Muntinlupa (1989-1991), San Jose de Navotas Parish (1991-1997), San Roque Parish Pateros (1997-2001), St. Anthony of Padua Parish Singalong (2001-2010), and San Fernando de Dilao Parish Paco (2010-2022). While serving as parish priest, he also served concurrently as school director of San Gabriel Academy, San Roque Catholic School, San Jose Academy, Pateros Catholic School, St. Anthony School, and Paco Catholic School (until March 2014).
While serving as parish priest and school director, Msgr. Rolly also served in the Archdiocesan Curia of Manila as Vicar General, Moderator Curiae and Oeconomus. He was appointed Papal Chaplain on April 28, 1996.