Today, August 4, 2023 on the Feast of St. John Vianney, Patron of the Diocesan Priests, the Diocese of Pagadian gathered at the Sto. Niño Cathedral at 9:00 in the morning where the priests, seminarians , religious and laity celebrated the Holy Mass with His Most Rev Ronald Lunas, DD as the main celebrant.
The three hour long celebration included the Rite of Wearing the Sotana (Cassock) of 14 seminarians, the Renewal of Promises of 3 Seminarians from the Configuration Stage and 3 Seminarians from the Vocational Synthesis stage and Installation of 3 seminarians as Ministers of the Word and as Acolytes.
In his homily, Bishop Bong expressed the wisdom of St John Vianney saying that a priest is blessed with the power of God for he is the one who makes possible the sacrament for the life of the Church. Therefore the priest is not his own, but it is for the service of God and His people.
Bishop Bong thanked the priests for the service they have given in the diocese as well as to the parents of the Seminarians for generously offering their sons to become priests.He then challenged the priests to walk their talk for evangelizing is useless without action.
Lastly, he humbly asked forgiveness for the failures, limitations and lack of appropriate response to the needs of the Church but challenged every priest to continue serving despite their limitations as a sign of true Synodality as a People of God.
Most of all, he urged everyone to pray without ceasing for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. And for all of the Clergy that they may be worthy of the promises made before the Lord.
The Eucharistic Celebration ended with Bishop Bong giving the official announcement of the new ministries, offices and parish assignments of the priests. Rev. Fr. Belstar Ediang, STL DD who is now the Vicar General led the newly assigned priests in the prayer of the Profession of Faith and their formal Acceptance of their Duties and Responsibilities.
The celebration continued at the Holy Infant Seminary where a lively program was held at the open court and where every group and parish prepared their respective sumptuous lunch for all to share.
Happy Feast Day to all the Clergy! Daghang Salamat ug Padayon ta sa pag alagad sa katawhan sa Ginoo dinhi sa Diocese sa Pagadian!
