Sem. Ariel Egao and Sem. Eric Basilio Suarez
December 8, 2022 (2:30 PM)
Santo Niño Parish Cathedral
Today on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Diocese of Pagadian together with the families of the Ordinandi celebrated as one family, the ordination to the sacred order of deacons of Sem. Ariel Egao and Sem. Eric Basilio Suarez. The Holy Eucharist was presided by no other than His Excellency Most Rev. Ronald Lunas, DD STL and concelebrated by 38 priests at 2:30 in the afternoon. This solemn celebration was participated by the seminarians from St. Mary’s Theologate and the Holy Infant Seminary (HIS), parishioners from San Jose Parish and the Cathedral, the Religious, and several lay organizations with the choir Gregoriano Schola Cantorum rendering songs and music that made the solemn celebration even more beautiful and joyful.
In his homily, Bishop Bong highlighted the importance of the words spoken by Mary: “I am the servant of the Lord, let it be done unto me according to your Word.” (Lk. 1:38) He stated that it is a concrete manifestation of her total obedience and profound humility in following God’s will. In the same manner, to become a deacon means to be a servant of the Lord at the service of the Church and the people of God. It is a vocation of unconditional service, avoiding self-entitlement with the desire to spread the God of love to others as they embrace the lifelong commitment of Obedience, Celibacy and Prayer.
The highlight of the rite to the diaconate was the Bishop’s blessing and praying over of the Ordinarndi followed by the wearing of the cassocks and the Litany of the Saints. Before the end of the mass, Rev. Ariel gave his message of gratitude to all those who made this celebration a very meaningful and solemn one.
The celebration continued at the YDC of St. Columban College where a special feast was prepared for everyone present. As Psalm 98 goes: Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous deeds! We too rejoice and are grateful for the gift of our newly ordained deacons: Rev. Eric Suarez and Rev. Ariel Egao! Congratulations and may God bless you more along with the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary!
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