By Br. Juvelan Paul Samia, SDB / Photo by Alexander Amora Juni

Parañaque, Philippines, June 24 – Seven deacons were ordained today through the laying on of hands of His Excellency, Bishop Jesse Mercado, DD (Diocese of Parañaque) at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians as the liturgy celebrates the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist and the Salesian Family commemorates Mary Help of Christians.

Those who were ordained are:

1. D. Keith Belciña, SDB (FIS)

2. D. Donnie Duchin Duya, SDB (FIN)

3. D. Venancio Freitas, SDB (ITM)

4. D. Noble Lal, SDB (FIS-Pakistan)

5. D. Stephen Musya, SDB (PNG-SI-Kenya)

6. D. Moïse Paluku, SDB (PNG-SI-Congo)

7. D. Phil Vincent Dumanacal (Diocese of Monterey, USA)

Rev. Noble is given the grace and distinction of being the first Salesian vocation from Pakistan to be ordained deacon. Rev. Stephen and Moïse, on the other hand, are both bound for the Salesian missions in PNG-SI.

The new deacons have chosen for their theme, “If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him” from the Gospel according to St. John (12:26).

In his gratitude speech on behalf of the newly ordained, Rev. Phil Vincent of the Diocese of Monterey, USA recalled how the then Archbishop of Turin, Louis Fransoni, placed some of his seminarians under the guidance of Don Bosco and how he was amazed by the dedication and love that the new members of his clergy revealed in their ministry. Thanking the Salesians who helped him in his formation process, Rev. Phil Vincent said, “Salesians are capable of giving up their lives for the love of God manifested in their love for the young… I am thankful for the rest of my life this beautiful journey with you (Salesians). You gave me love for the young. Don Bosco will be known in my life.”

With great joy in our hearts, we pray that they may truly be faithful to their new identity as preachers of the Living Word, ministers of the Altar of the Lord, and servants of Charity especially to those in need.