In a ceremony marked by joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of mission, four Jesuit deacons were ordained priests on 1 June at the Church of Gésu, Ateneo de Manila University. It was a celebration of 11 years of dedication and formation for Fathers Erwin Fernandez Arandia SJ, Jeffrey Lloyd Caños Pocong SJ, Richard Sales Sumera SJ, and Kenzlee Engalan Ybañez SJ, who began their journey together in the Sacred Heart Novitiate in 2013.
Most Reverend Noel P Pedregosa DD, Bishop of Malaybalay, presided over the ordination Mass, which was concelebrated by several Jesuit priests, including Philippine Provincial, Fr Xavier Olin Jr, and Rector of the Loyola House of Studies, Fr Christopher Dumadag SJ.
In his homily, Bishop Pedregosa expressed gratitude to the Jesuits of the Philippine Province for their support of the Diocese of Malaybalay by continuously sending “committed, zealous, joyful, generous, talented, and mission-oriented Jesuit fathers and brothers into the diocese”. He commended them for their role in establishing Catholic schools and retreat centres and their commitment to fostering spiritual growth among the laity.
The Bishop also shared personal anecdotes about early Jesuit missionaries, such as Fr Vincent Cullen SJ and Fr James Cawley SJ, whose dedicated service laid a strong foundation for future generations in Bukidnon and the surrounding areas. Like the early Jesuits, Bishop Pedregosa emphasised that the vocation of a missionary is rooted in love, joy, gratitude, and generosity. “[It is] an Amazing Grace of the Father for him, the Church, and the Church’s mission into the world,” he said.
He encouraged the newly ordained priests to adopt a humble mindset that is focused on service rather than personal achievement and to “always be mindful of our fellow missionaries and inspire others to be one of us”.
In his reflection, newly ordained Fr Ybañez echoed the themes of gratitude and divine love. He expressed deep appreciation for the gift of ordination and the support they received from their formators, spiritual directors, fellow Jesuits, friends, and family throughout their journey. He highlighted the transformative power of God’s call and grace, which enable them to serve and love more profoundly. “God transforms our lives so that we can offer ourselves better to Him and the Church… to use our gifts, thoughts, and dispositions to His greater glory… In times when we doubt this calling, the Lord has been so reassuring.”
Following Fr Ybañez’s reflection, Fr Olin announced the respective missions of the newly ordained priests. Fr Arandia has been sent to the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service and the community of Xavier School and Mary the Queen Parish, while Fr Pocong will serve in the Sacred Heart Novitiate as Socius to the Novice Master and House Minister. Fr Sumera has been appointed as Vocations Director and Director of Arvisu House Jesuit Candidacy, residing at the Jesuit Residence community, and Fr Ybañez to Miarayon, Bukidnon as the High School Principal of St Therese School of Miarayon, where he will be part of the Jesuit community of the Bukidnon Mission District.
