Who is Father Ramon from Tortilla Flat and what is their importance?

Father Ramon is the pastor of San Carlos Church in Monterey, CA. He appears to be a typical Roman Catholic priest with a special attachment to St. Francis of Assisi, a saint who so loves animals he was known to preach to them. Hearing from the paisanos how St. Francis miraculously heals the Pirate's ailing dog, Fr. Ramon accepts $250 in quarters to buy a 1,000-hour candle and splendid candlestick to place before the saint's statue. During mass, he acknowledges the donation and talks about St. Francis. He does not reprimand the Pirate when his dogs raise a ruckus and invade the church. Fr. Ramon has a difficult time dealing with confessions the Sunday after "The Party" thrown at Danny's house the night of his death. The priest hurries to Danny's deathbed, dragged out of bed, not knowing what ministration he might have to administer or to whom.