Diocese of Mati Welcomes Two New Priests in Three Days as Vocation Defies Odds

Despite the threat of the dreaded corona virus, the Diocese of Mati defied the odds and welcomed two new priests in just three days, a rare fate in the history of the Diocese of Mati.

Last March 14, 2020, Bp. Abel Apigo laid his hands on Rev. Fr. Donald V. Fernandez in the solemn celebration of ordination to priesthood, in St. James the Apostle Parish, Municipality of Cateel. Fernandez was the second Cateeleño, after Rev. Fr. Jay Ramos, ordained as a priest in a span of eleven years.

Despite the virus threat, Fernandez’s family, friends, classmates and supporters filled the parish, happy and proud of the new priest coming from their parish. On the other hand, Rev. Fr. Glenn Felizardo was also welcomed to the world of presbysters last March 16, 2020 in an ordination also presided by Bp. Abel Apigo in St. Francis Xavier Parish, Gov. Generoso.

Typhoon Yolanda’s wrath did not spare his seminary, as he hurdled it out against the strong winds, and he was clinging for his vocation’s survival. His ordination, too, was threatened with the coronavirus, but the vocation was far too strong for him to feel the threat. Fr. Fernandez and Fr. Felizardo’s triumph in their vocation is a proof that not even catastrophes and viruses can hinder them answering His call.

In his homily, Bp. Abel Apigo reiterated the mission of the newly ordained priests to take care of their sheep, to feed them spiritually. “To feed means that there is hunger, and indeed, there is a need for us to hunger for Christ.”

“Another thing is that, you must be obedient to me, and to what the High Priest, God, wants you to do,” he said. In their respective responses, the two accepted the challenge, and asked for prayers for them to remain constant to His unceasing love. Bp. Abel Apigo was overwhelmed, and proud that Catholic faith really sprouts in the diocese, and called on those who were called to answer His call and listen to Him.

Last February, four seminarians were ordained as deacons, Seminarian Francis Siblos, Marlon Requitillo, Ruben Bentayao, and Richard Labo. (Neela Duallo)