Palo, Leyte – On the occasion of its 83rd anniversary as a diocese, the Archdiocese of Palo celebrated the Diaconal Ordination of eight seminarians today, November 27, 2020, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration Parish.
Most Rev. John F. Du, D.D., Archbishop of Palo, conferred through the laying of hands the Sacrament of Sacred Order to Deacons upon eight seminarians, namely Rev. Gabriel L. Daffon (St. Isidore Parish of MacArthur, Leyte), Rev. Joey M. Decio (St. Francis Xavier Parish of Palompon, Leyte), Rev. Noel A. Jordan, Jr. (St. Michael the Archangel Parish of Javier, Leyte), Rev. Xandro C. Magnifico (St. Vincent Ferrer Parish of Babatngon, Leyte), Rev. Ruben John P. Manito (Our Lady of Lourdes Parish of V&G, Tacloban City), Rev. Crisologo B. Motril, Jr. (St. Francis Xavier Parish of Palompon, Leyte), Rev. Gerardo Jose Y. San Gabriel (Sto. Niño Parish of Tacloban City) and Rev. John Hyeon-Seop Kim (Institute of Kkottongnae Brothers of Jesus, South Korea). In his homily, Archbishop Du reminded the newly ordained deacons of the mission entrusted to them by Christ as well as their purpose in the Catholic Church.
“You are favored not because you are intelligent, nor because you are talented, nor because you are popular. It was because God has chosen you to serve at the altar, to preach the gospel, and to be of service to our brothers and sisters, especially for those who are in need,” he said.
Archbishop Du also expressed his sincere gratitude to the parents of the newly ordained deacons for the gift of vocation – that they may be zealous in accepting the service to Christ and His people.
As they moved on with the celebration, a priest recalled his own experience being ordained as a deacon years ago. “While I was prostrated on the floor during the ordination, flashbacks of my seminary formation appeared in my mind, and also people responsible for my formation,” said Rev. Fr. Chris Arthur Militante in an interview.
Before the concluding rite, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Apurillo, chancellor, announced to the public the assigned parishes of the newly ordained deacons, where they will be serving for 21 days.
On behalf of his co-brother deacons, Rev. San Gabriel gave words of thanks to their parents, relatives, friends and benefactors and the people who supported them in their seminary life.
“Above everything else, we are grateful to God from whom all good things come” because we do not deserve this amazing grace, and yet in his sheer goodness, he has called us and chosen us among others. Indeed, how can we repay him for all the good things he has given to us?” said Rev. San Gabriel when he expressed his gratitude to the people who have helped them in so many ways.
– Karl Palacio (Youth, Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration)