Filled with zeal, packed with people, and overflowing with gratitude and joy– such was the diaconate ordination of seven Jesuits on 11 October at the Church of the Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines. The grace-filled celebration brought together people of diverse cultures and languages, uniting them in prayers and thanksgiving to God, who continues to bless the Church through the ministry of the newly ordained deacons.
Most Rev Elias L Ayuban Jr CMF DD, Bishop of Cubao, presided over the ordination of Dom Joseph B Bulan, Bien Emmanuel C Cruz, and James Augustus R Santos of the Philippine Province; Vincent Nguyen Ba Minh Tam and Anthony Nguyen Minh Tai of the Vietnamese Province; Marcos Apu Colo of Timor-Leste Region; and Sung Byungjoon Paulus from the Korean Province. The ordinands are studying theology at the Loyola School of Theology and belong to the Jesuit communities of Arrupe International Residence and Loyola House of Studies in Manila.
In his homily, Bishop Ayuban gently reminded the deacons to be like Christ, humble and zealous in service to all, especially the poor. “To be a deacon,” he said, “is to kneel where Christ kneels at the feet of others with a towel around one’s waist and love in one’s heart.
He emphasised the Church’s preferential option for the poor. He even advised the deacons that when faced with invitations from both rich and poor friends, they must give preference to the poor. He exhorted them not only to befriend the poor but also to become poor themselves, urging them to “Be servants of the Word, not owners or proprietors.”
Concelebrating with the Bishop were Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific President Fr Jun Viray, Philippine Provincial Fr Xavier Olin, Vietnamese Provincial Fr Pham Tuan Nghia, Korean Province Formation Delegate Fr Kim Dong Il, and Timor-Leste Region Formation Delegate Fr Luis Perreira. Presenting the candidates for ordination were their Rectors, Fr Chris Dumagdag of the Loyola House of Studies and Fr Wardi Saputra of Arrupe International Residence.
Not counting the online attendees, more than a thousand people—including the new deacons’ families, friends, and mission partners from different parts of the Philippines and Asia—attended and witnessed the blessed occasion. Their presence, support, and prayers inspired and encouraged the newly ordained deacons and contributed to the joyful solemnity of the liturgy.
Deacon Bien Cruz delivered the thanksgiving message on behalf of his newly ordained brother deacons. Visibly moved to tears, he thanked their families and everyone who had become part of their formation in the Society of Jesus. He also expressed the group’s deep gratitude for the Jesuit scholastics and mission partners who made the ordination meaningful and solemn.
As Deacon Bien promised to pray for everyone, he also asked for prayers that they might encounter Christ in the countless people they will meet and serve. Indeed, like a good measure pressed down, shaken together, and running over (Lk 6:38), the day overflowed with the grace of community, joyful service, and thanksgiving.
Watch a video of the new deacons sharing their vocation stories:
