On 16 October, 17 Jesuit scholastics were ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Honesto Flores Ongtioco DD of the diocese of Cubao. Those who were ordained deacons were Africanus Kimario (Tanzania), Aloysious Lubega (Uganda), Dim K Thang (Myanmar), Ed Colmenares (Philippines), Hoang Phong (Vietnam), Ji Hyeong-gyu (S Korea), Kam Sian Muan (Myanmar), Kim Jung-Hyun (S Korea), Le Dac Thang (Vietnam), Lee In-Je (S Korea), Lloyd V Sabio (Philippines), Marito C Monteiro (Timor-Leste), Marlon T Fabros (Philippines), Narongrit Daorueangphadung (Thailand), Phan Ngo Hoang Dung (Vietnam), Roh Hyunwoo (S Korea), and Thomas Machuki Ondieki (Kenya).
The event, which took place in the beautifully decorated and well-lit Church of the Gesú at the Ateneo de Manila University, was attended by Jesuits who reside on campus and a few invited guests. Although physical attendance was limited to a few people due to local government Covid restrictions, hundreds of people from around the world watched the ceremony in real time via Facebook and YouTube.
In his homily, Bishop Ongtioco preached on the themes of kenosis and diakonia, two essential elements necessary for an effective ministry of a deacon. He stressed that, “to die to oneself is a necessary ingredient of any authentic and effective ministry”. He invited the ordinands to ponder the life of St Joseph (husband of Mary and foster father to Jesus), who is “perhaps the greatest embodiment second only to Jesus, of both kenosis and diakonia”. St Joseph’s participation in God’s plan of salvation was hidden yet powerful. Although Joseph was not Jesus’ biological father, he cared for Mary and Jesus “in the most intimate way.” Quoting Pope Francis in Patris Corde, Bishop Ongtioco reminded the congregation that, “Whenever a man accepts responsibility for the life of another, in some way he becomes a father to that person.” From Joseph, deacons can learn how to be fathers to others. St Joseph also teaches us how to be witnesses, not only in words but also in action. One’s life is the first gospel one can preach to others. Lastly, Joseph teaches us to be open to God’s will. Joseph set aside his own ideas and preferences in order to follow God’s will.
On behalf of the newly ordained deacons, Deacon Colmenares expressed gratitude to all those who have accompanied the ordinands until their diaconate ordination. Of special mention were the formators and the Jesuit communities in Africa and Asia, where the ordinands have lived and worked during their Jesuit formation. The ordinands also thanked their families and benefactors for their generous support towards Jesuit formation. Finally, Deacon Colmenares requested for prayers so that the ordinands “may become audacious yet faithful servants, configured to the heart of Christ, who himself came into this world as a servant”. The Mass ended with the choir singing David Haas’ inspiring hymn We are called, beautifully accompanied by Fr Arnel Aquino SJ. The new deacons will continue with their theology studies before returning to their respective provinces for their ministry.
Aloysious Lubega SJ from Uganda is one of 17 newly ordained deacons. He is studying theology at the Loyola School of Theology in Manila and living in Arrupe International Residence.