Diocese of Mati welcomes 3 newly-ordained deacons

MATI CITY – The Diocese of Mati welcomed three seminarians who were ordained deacons in the Holy Eucharist on June 19, 9:00 AM at the Divine Mercy Shrine & Parish, Madang, Mati City. Through the laying of hands of Davao Archbishop Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., as a symbol of the power of the Holy Spirit, the Rev. Raphy M. Armasa, Rev. Alfie B. Alimbon and Rev. Eric L. Sangcot were solemnly welcomed to the diaconate ordination. The three deacons expressed their acceptance of the new responsibilities imposed upon them, as well as the fidelity attached to their vows.

In his homily, Archbishop Valles emphasized his happiness with the addition of the three deacons to the Church, particularly to the diocese of Mati. He commended the courage of the three to “just say ‘yes’ to the call of their vocation, and most importantly, God called them despite their limitations and weaknesses.” Valles also noted the rich contrast of the origin of the new deacons. Rev. Armasa and Sangcot came from the youngest parish of the diocese, the San Ignacio de Loyola Parish in Luzon, Gov. Generoso, while Rev. Alimbon came from the oldest parish of Mati / and oldest church in Mindanao [a historical site], the San Salvador del Mundo Parish in Caraga. The three deacons reiterated their gratitude to their families, friends, and to Bishop Emeritus Patricio H. Alo, D.D. who concelebrated in the Mass together with Apostolic Administrator Fr. Edito S. Baño and attending priests from the diocese of Mati. The concluding rite included the reading of the deacons’ assignments: Rev. Armasa as director of the Diocesan Youth Apostolate (DYA); Rev. Sangcot to help coordinate with the Catholic Women’s League, and Rev. Alimbon, to assist with the Holy Name Society. After the ordination, a Thanksgiving reception followed at the nearby St. Therese gym within the Clergy compound. (Leonila G. Duallo)