Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula ordained five young men to the diaconate at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) on Saturday, November 19, 2022, the day before the Solemnity of Christ the King.
“We thank the Lord because every ordination is a clear and tangible sign that God never abandons his people. He never ceases to choose people to serve him and his people and become instruments of his love, compassion, and mercy to all,” said Cardinal Advincula.
The five men ordained to the diaconate were Kim Joshua Bibon (San Carlos Seminary), Albert Adrian David (San Carlos Seminary), Jesus Madrid, Jr. (San Carlos Seminary), Mark Francis Campit (LRMS) and Christopher Crucero (LRMS).
Cardinal Advincula in his homily reminded the young men that “to be a deacon is to be a servant because diaconate is essentially service.”
“Therefore, service should be your way of life. Your ordination ushers you into a whole life of service, a commitment you must keep until your last breath,” Cardinal Advincula said.
The Cardinal reflected on the second reading where St. Paul listed the qualities to look for in a deacon.
“Take note that St. Paul was not looking for skills. He did not say that a deacon should be a good administrator, an excellent speaker, or possesses outstanding talents and capabilities. St. Paul is looking at the attitude, disposition, and values of the one who intends to serve,” Cardinal Advincula said.
To fulfill their functions as deacons, Cardinal Advincula told them that they are called to serve with the heart of Christ.
“The world measures us by what we can do. But the Lord looks at who we are. You are not only called to be efficient servants. You are called to be holy servants. Servants who serve with the heart of Jesus,” he said.
The Archbishop of Manila thanked all the people behind San Carlos Seminary and Lorenzo Mission Institute for forming the young men to receive the grace of ordination. He also thanked the different parishes, communities and groups where the deacons have their exposures and apostolates. Most of all, he thanked the parents of the five young men for nurturing them to become like Christ.
“Thank you for offering your sons to God and his Church. Isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit sila inoordenan ngayon ay dahil sa inyong paghubog, pagtuturo, paggabay, at pagmamahal sa kanila. Kayo ang nagpalago sa binhi ng bokasyon na inihasik sa kanila ng Diyos,” Cardinal Advincula said.
The word deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos, which means “servant” or “minister.” The ordination of deacons takes place during Mass, after the proclamation of the Gospel and begins with the presentation of the candidates. (Jheng Prado | Photos by Maricar Santos/RCAM-AOC | Photogallery)
