“Carry your cross!” This was the challenge of Bishop Honesto Ongtioco to the 13 Jesuit deacons he ordained on September 14, 2013. The Jesuit ordinands included nine from the Philippine Province – Manases L Amanence SJ, Guillrey Anthony M Andal, SJ, Antonio M Basilio SJ, Eric Anthony S Escandor, SJ, Erik John J Gerilla SJ, Jose Emmanuel A Liwanag SJ, Ruben B Orbeta Jr SJ, Neupito J Saicon SJ, and Irmo Fracis A Valeza SJ. The other four ordinands were from Arrupe International Residence – Joseph Aik Maung SJ and Titus Tin Maung SJ of Myanmar, Su-yun Igwan Park SJ of Korea and Manasan Wongvarn SJ of Thailand.
Bishop Ongtioco began his homily with the meaning of the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross, which coincided with the ordination date. He said that historically the cross became the central symbol of the Church during the time of Emperor Constantine who conquered his enemies through the cross – “in this sign, you shall conquer.” Before that, the cross was a symbol of shame and suffering. The Bishop of the Diocese of Cubao exhorted the newly ordained deacons to courageously embrace the cross like Christ and his followers as they discharge the twofold ministries of a deacon – the proclamation of the Word and service of the Church through the sacraments of matrimony and baptism.
The ordination was held at the Church of the Gesu in the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. The church overflowed with the families and friends of the Jesuit ordinands, including friends from their apostolate areas in Payatas and Montalban. More than 50 priests concelebrated the mass. Fr Rene Repole SJ and Fr Jose Quilongquilong SJ, rectors of Arrupe International Residence and Loyola House of Studies respectively, presented the Jesuit ordinands to the bishop, while Fr Antonio Moreno SJ, Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province attested to the worthiness of the candidates. The new deacons will be ordained to the priesthood next year.