By Cl. Nathan Petate, SDB

       Parañaque City, the Philippines, 11 June 2021 — Held at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, DD, the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila as the prelate ordained six Salesians of Don Bosco to the Diaconate Order.

       The ordination coincided as well with the Church’s celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The theme the deacons chose ‘Remain in my love (John 15:9)’ became a fitting context for the solemnity, emphasizing the new deacons’ continuous need to draw strength from the Lord Jesus who humbled himself in loving and faithful service to God.

       The new deacons are as follows:

• Rev. Jarmy Reignier Atienza Roxas, SDB (FIN Province)
• Rev. Jose Isidro Santiago Torres, SDB (FIN Province)
• Rev. Peter Nguyen Hoai Van, SDB (PNG-SI Vice Province)
• Rev. Bartholomew Nguyen Viet Truong, SDB (Sri Lanka (LKC) Vice Province)
• Rev. Anthony Vallence, SDB (MYM Vice Province)
• Rev. Joseph Sian Biak Mung, SDB (MYM Vice Province)

       Accompanied by the Philippine North Province (FIN) in their theological formation thru the Seminaryo ng Don Bosco in coordination with the Vice Provinces of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, these six deacons from different nationalities were found worthy to receive the rites of ordination.

       In the speech delivered by Rev. Jarmy Roxas, SDB of the FIN province on behalf of all the newly ordained deacons, they are forever grateful as well to the prayers of praise and thanksgiving of the people who have journeyed with them in their chosen vocation—from family members, relatives, friends, benefactors and all those who support the Church for its holy purpose.

       Everyone who participated in the momentous event will attest that joyful gratitude governed the atmosphere both in the actual and virtual ordination rites amidst the continual safety requirements and protocols of the government due to the COVID pandemic.

       The journey of service to the Church has not ended. It has just begun. Truly, the core of Bishop Pabillo’s word during the homily echoed in the hearts of the new deacons and all those who joined the celebration: It is now about effectivity in action, gentleness in ministry, and constancy in prayer.

       We thank God for the gift of the new deacons and we continue to pray for them for the authentic service they will give to the Church from now on.

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