Eight Jesuits made their promises as deacons before a Philippine bishop on October 26 in the Church of the Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University.
Bishop Sofronio Bancud of Cabanatuan ordained as deacons Paul Tu Ja from Myanmar, Peter Tran Hoan Chinh from Vietnam, Robbie John Paolo Paraan and Amado Tumbali Jr from the Philippines, and Michael Kim Hakjoon, Martino Kim Minho, Stephen Kim Woojung and Thomas Kim Hyunjhik from Korea.
Ordained with them was a candidate from the Missionary Community of St Paul the Apostle, Victor Owino Otieno from Kenya. It was the congregation’s first ordination to be celebrated in the Philippines.
In his homily, Bishop Bancud stressed the three-fold ministry of the deacon – the Word, the altar and charity (service to the poor). He reminded the candidates that the special grace of the ordination does not mean they are special and set apart from the people, rather, “in the name of the Lord, [they] are consecrated and sent to live and be among God’s people”. To be with God’s people means being one with them in their struggles. A deacon is called to “preach and proclaim the Word of God to restore hope and bring back harmony and peace in our homes, in our society and in the world,” he said, adding that as deacons they should keep to heart Jesus’ words in the Gospel: “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be (John 12:26).”
The new deacons promised to live a life of celibacy, to hold true to the mystery of faith, to maintain and deepen the spirit of prayer, and to conform their lives to the example of Christ. As deacons they now are able to perform baptisms and marriages, assist at the altar and preach during Mass.
“We come from different countries and backgrounds, and in this ordination we even come from different congregations, but we are all grateful for this one call to serve the Lord,” said Rev Paraan who gave the thanksgiving speech on behalf of the new deacons. “We are grateful for this chance to enter more deeply, more intimately into the mystery of Christ’s own giving and sharing of his love, not only to serve at the altar, where he is offered, but to be broken ourselves so as to serve you, his people.”
He especially thanked their families who taught them from the very beginning what was celebrated on the day of their ordination: gentle compassion, humble service and self-giving love.
Watch highlights of the ordination:
View more photos (credit: Seminarian Eugene Parayaoan):
