Three scholastics of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) were among the 12 newly ordained deacons at the laying on of hands by Most Rev Don Carlos Cardinal Osoro, Archbishop of Madrid, on 4 February in the parish of San Francisco de Borja in Madrid. They are: Nalerin Erone Nahfirin SJ from Malaysia, and Francis Xavier Pantharaks Rueangswasdi SJ and David Sakda Saenbanchoedsuk SJ from Thailand.
With Deacons Erone, Francis and David, were ordained Deacons Javier Bailén SJ, José Luis Olea SJ, Luis Ortuño SJ, and Rodrigo Sanz SJ from Spain, Jean-Baptiste Roy SJ from France, Prawin Vikas SJ from India, Giuseppe La Mela SJ and Andrea Bonavita SJ from Italy, and Ambrozie Mengheris SJ from Romania. The new deacons were accompanied by more than 100 Jesuits, family, and friends from their places of origin and people with whom they have shared their mission in Madrid.
For Erone, the diaconate ordination is a celebration of the people of God entrusted to be at his service. Prior to his ordination, he said: “I am filled with a deep gratitude that goes beyond words, especially when I recall my experiences in the Society and the gifts I have received over the years. Looking back on my journey in the Society is, in fact, to see the footsteps of God who has guided, taught, strengthened, and formed me to continually purify my vocation. Being fully aware of my limitations and fragility, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I am enthusiastic and committed to serve God’s people according to His will.
“The ordination is, in fact, an affirmation of God’s invitation to collaborate with him more intensely and to follow him more intimately. Perhaps, it is not just another step in Jesuit formation, or to be able to be close to the altar or for whatever reasons, but rather a deep awareness of being loved and being able to share it with one another. This ordination is not just a celebration for us twelve deacons, but rather for all those who have walked with us in many ways throughout our formation and prayed for us continually. And I hope that this ordination is also a time for us to continue to encounter God and experience his presence in one another.”
In his homily, Cardinal Osoro invited the ordinands to feel chosen, consecrated, and prepared. He gave them inspiring words for their new mission: joy, liberation, light, healing, and amazement. Joy “because faith is a wonderful story of love to share”; liberation because “he who proclaims God does not proselytise but lightens and relieves burdens, not impose them”; the light of filiation knowing we are children of God and of fraternity, knowing we are brothers and sisters. It is a light “that makes us see life in a new way”. And healing because “no medicine or human remedy can heal like Jesus Christ”.
For the 12 new deacons, their ordination was not only a moment of celebration, but also of deep gratitude for the love of God that they have received freely as a gift of life.
Watch key moments of the ordination