As the Universal Church celebrates the Easter Octave, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu rejoices in the ordination of four seminarians to the Sacred Order of Deacons, through the laying on of hands of Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” S. Uy, at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Those newly ordained were Rev. Rey Anthony Baluran; Rev. Mat Labandero, SHF; Rev. James Jumao-as, SHF; and Rev. Roliecris Sitsit.
Reflecting on the life and mission of deacons, Archbishop Abet, in his homily, emphasized that ordination is not a rise in status but a deeper call to be configured to Christ the servant.
“You are being ordained not just to assist at the altar but to bring the spirit of the altar to the world. Not just to proclaim the Gospel but to live it through humble service with others. Not just to wear a beautiful vestment of a deacon but to carry the heart of Christ, the heart of his servant,” he said.
The good Archbishop warned the newly ordained deacons and the faithful against dangers that can weaken their vocation—such as pride, comfort and convenience, and discouragement.
To remain faithful to their vocation, he reminded them to have a humble, compassionate, and prayerful heart, calling them to live simple lives in their journey with the least, the forgotten, and the wounded, and always remain rooted in prayer.
“Kon walay pag-ampo, hinay-hinay ta mahubsan, mawad-an og gana. Without prayer, our service will become empty… Stay close to the Lord because you cannot serve like Jesus unless you stay close to Him,” he urged them.
Let us pray that our deacons may persevere in their vocation and grow as faithful servants of the Church.