Photos by Mr. John Villfania
Pampanga, the Philippines, 3 June 2023 -- The Salesian Society of St John Bosco joyfully received four young ordinands into the Diaconate. Reverend Daniel Gonzales, SDB, Reverend Paul Aldrin Dungca, SDB, Reverend Genson Banguis, SDB, and Reverend Adnan Alfred, SDB, hailing from the Philippine North and South Provinces, were ordained as deacons.
The theme chosen for this momentous occasion was "It is the Lord" (John 21:7).
Most Reverend Florentino Galang Lavarias, the Archbishop of San Fernando, Pampanga, presided over the ordination ceremony held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Magalang, Pampanga.
Archbishop Lavarias delivered a reflective homily emphasizing that the deacon's service is a lifelong commitment beyond their eventual priestly ordination. He emphasized that service as Church ministers is a testament to greatness when it originates from the Lord and is carried out in unity with the community, the People of God. The Archbishop also thanked the deacons' families for their generosity in entrusting their sons to the Church.
The solemn Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Gerardo Martin, the Provincial Superior of the Philippines North, and Fr. Fidel Orendain, SDB, the Provincial Superior of the Philippines South. As a gesture of appreciation, they presented statues of Mary Help of Christians to Archbishop Lavarias, the ordaining prelate, and Fr. Fiel Pareja, the parish priest. This act recognized their dedicated presence and wholehearted involvement in organizing and facilitating the momentous ordination ceremony.
The Salesian Society of St John rejoices in welcoming these four new deacons, who have embraced the call to serve the Church and its people.
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