Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula ordained five young men to the diaconate at the Manila Cathedral on Saturday, November 20, 2021, the day before the Feast of Christ the King, at 9 a.m.
“Every ordination is a sign that God never abandons us. He continues to choose people to serve and become instruments of his love, compassion and mercy to all,” Cardinal Advincula said.
The five men ordained to diaconate were Vicente Gabriel San Jose Bautista, Norman Meram Gandia, Aldwin Ivan Matibag Gerolao, Xavier Paul Yu Jacome and Tom Jocson Calingasan, LRMS.
Reflecting on the word deacon, which comes from the Greek word “diaconos” which means service, the Archbishop of Manila stressed that the deacons are ordained to serve in the ministry and that service is a lifetime commitment to the Lord.
“You are ordained today in order to serve. Diaconia is not a stage but a lifestyle. And so your ordination today is a renew into a whole life of service. A commitment you have to keep until your last breath,” said the Cardinal.
He also reminded the deacons that the Lord called them personally and awaits their response and willingness to serve.
“You are here because you are called. You are called by name. You are called personally by God and this personal and loving call awaits your courageous response. When you answered present, you are not simply stating the fact that you are physically here. Your response also shows your readiness to serve,” said Cardinal Advincula.
Photo by Fatima Llanza/RCAM-AOC
The call to service to the church according to the Cardinal is also an acknowledgment of the humility of the deacons and recognition that it is also a call to rely on the Lord for help.
“Even with the competence, talents, capabilities and other gifts that you bring with you to the ministry, you still are earthen vessels. Keep this in mind so that you can also recognize that the surpassing power comes from God and not from us.”
On March 19, 2021, Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, former Administrator of Manila Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo ordained six young men to the diaconate and one to the priesthood at the Manila Cathedral. (Jheng Prado/RCAM-AOC | Photo by Maricar Santos/RCAM-AOC | Photo Gallery)
