Photo by Gene Jesuro
The Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) and the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States have been blessed with 11 new deacons: Rico Jaen Adapon SJ (Philippines), Isidore Sadudee Damrongkitmongkon SJ (Thailand), Jude Tharadol Dongyasopa SJ (Thailand), Shane Joseph Liesegang SJ (United States), Antonius Septian Marhenanto SJ (Indonesia), Joseph Nguyen Van Vien SJ (Vietnam), Isodorus Bangkit Susetyo Adi Nugroho SJ (Indonesia), Melvin Garcia Paulme SJ (Philippines), Alejo Sarcilla San Buenaventura SJ (Philippines), Nicholas Han Zaw Shing SJ (Myanmar), and Dickson Dalph Tiwelfil SJ (Federated States of Micronesia).
The Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cubao, Most Rev Honesto Ongtioco, along with JCAP President Fr Jun Viray SJ, assisted by Philippine Provincial Fr Xavier Olin SJ, Loyola House of Studies Rector Fr Chris Dumadag SJ, and Arrupe International Residence Rector Fr Ignatius Wardi Saputra SJ, led the ceremony held at the Church of the Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University on 12 October. The major superiors of the ordinands also attended to show their support.
Photo by Juni Amora Alexander
This diaconate ordination ceremony was a testament to the strong support and unity of the ordinands. Families, relatives, and friends of the deacons traveled from various countries in Asia Pacific (Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Micronesia) and the United States to Manila to pray for and witness this historic event. In addition to family and friends from outside the Philippines, various community members from different congregations and orders who are friends of the deacons were also present. The faithful from Payatas and other apostolic areas, including friends from Ateneo College Campus Ministry, where the ordinands are doing their weekly apostolates, also came to support and pray for them.
In his homily, Bishop Ongtioco thanked the deacons for saying “yes” to God’s invitation to dedicate their lives to the Church and the world. He also reminded the newly ordained that on that day of their ordination, he would lay his hands on them as a sign of being set apart and dedicated to God’s service and ministry of the Church. Being set apart does not mean they are exclusive or above others; instead, it emphasises that they are to be with others and serve them through the sacred ministry they have received. On this memorable day, Bishop Ongtioco also urged and reminded the ordinands that when receiving the books of scriptures, they should believe what they read, teach what they believe, and practice what they teach.
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Newly ordained deacon, Antonius Septian Marhenanto SJ, from Indonesia, is finishing his theology studies at the Loyola School of Theology in Manila, Philippines.
