Philippine Provincial Fr Jun Viray SJ, newly ordained priest Fr Arman B Samonte SJ, Archbishop Teodoro C Bacani Jr, Loyola House of Studies Rector Fr Junjun Borres SJ and Deacon Joseph Zaw Goan SJ from Myanmar | Photo by Larry Go

The Philippine Jesuit Province celebrated the ordination of Fr Arman B Samonte on Saturday, June 8.

Fr Samonte was ordained by Most Rev Teodoro C Bacani Jr, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Novaliches, in the Oratory of St Ignatius, Loyola House of Studies, Ateneo de Manila University.

In his homily, Bishop Bacani reminded Fr Samonte that he is ordained to serve the people of God.

Fr Samonte entered the Society of Jesus in 2008. During his Regency, he taught Morality and Social Teachings of the Church at Ateneo de Zamboanga University High School for two years and taught for one year at Xavier School in San Juan. He spent two years at Arrupe International Residence during his theology studies at the Loyola House of Studies.

Four days after his ordination, on June 12, Fr Samonte celebrated his Thanksgiving Mass in his hometown in Tacloban. He will soon begin his ministry as Assistant Parish Priest of St Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Miarayon, Bukidnon.