“The priest is a messenger of God’s merciful love and stewards of the Holy Mysteries of God,” Archbishop Du tells new priests on October 19 at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral.
Palo, Leyte – Three men answered to the call of the Lord and moved forward to be ordained as priests for the Archdiocese of Palo at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral on the occasion of the 85th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration, October 19, 2023.
The three newly ordained priests were Rev. Fr. Charles Vincent Wayne C. Avelino – St. Joseph Parish, Dagami, Leyte, Rev. Fr. Joseph Gregory T. Buñales – Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Marasbaras, Tacloban City, and Rev. Fr. Rey John E. Gayta – St. Augustine Parish, Matlang, Isabel, Leyte conferred by the laying on of hands by Most Rev. John F. Du, D.D., Metropolitan Archbishop of Palo.
“The priest becomes a visible sign of God’s love and an instrument in receiving the Sacraments which give grace,” said Archbishop Du in his homily. He further explained that as Christians we are bearers of God and we are to bring God to others and we are able to bring God to others when we take care of others and do good to them.
Present in this extraordinary event were Most Rev. Rex C. Ramirez, D.D. – Bishop of Naval, Most. Rev. Oscar Florencio, D.D. – Bishop of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, Clergy from the abovementioned Archdiocese, priests from the neighboring dioceses, proud parents, relatives, and friends of the ordained priests. Also, Rev. Fr. Marcelino Saria, O.P. – Formator, Central Seminary, Pontifical University of Sto. Tomas and Rev. Fr. Edgardo Macalalag – Secretary General of CBCP Pension Plan have also witnessed this once-in-a lifetime event.
Many people’s lives are impacted by the gift of the priesthood, not just in our local church but also throughout the entire world. One has roles to play and obligations to manage; prayers should support these endeavors.
Before the event ended, Fr. Avelino expressed his words of gratitude to the people who in one way or another have helped, prayed, and guided them this journey they have chosen. “It is through the priesthood that they will be proclaiming Christ in their preaching and practice their faith in God,” Du added.
Congratulations to the newly ordained priests! You are a priest forever in the line of Melchizedek!
-Karl Palacio-