Everything is Grace

The long-awaited moment in his life has dawned on him. Born in Bohol, then Seminarian Oliver A. Ganas studied his theology years in Saint John Marie Vianney Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City. When he finished his second year in theology, he submitted himself to the seminary program of guided regency for exposure. After which he worked in the Diocese of Surigao with Bishop Antonieto Cabahug, D.D.

In 2014 he came to Davao and continued his long journey towards priesthood. Since he has relatives residing in the parish of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of Calinan, he opted to be adopted to that parish as a seminarian. He continued his theological studies in the Saint Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao in Catalunan Grande and graduated last March 2019.

He was then assigned in his home parish of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and continued his pastoral synthesis. He was also sent to other pastoral agencies of the Local Church of Davao as part of the pre-diaconal program. Filled with smiles in his face as he prepared for his diaconal ordination with the excitement of becoming a member of the Diocesan Clergy of Davao, he said, “there is aflutter and I believe in the providential care of God and in His grace.”

He was ordained deacon during the launching of vocation month last September 1, 2021 at 5 o’clock in the afternoon at San Pedro Cathedral by Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). He expressed his gratitude to God for the grace of ordination he received. Archbishop emeritus Fernando Capalla, Bishop George Rimando and Bishop Antonieto Cabahug of Surigao were present in the ordination with the religious and the faithful of Davao.

The deacon is the first stage in the hierarchy of the Church, in which the one ordained exercises his ministry as the proclaimer of the glad tidings. The people of Davao are very happy as they always pray for more vocations in the Church. The newly ordained deacon will help in the ministry of shepherding the flock, continuing the presence of Jesus in their midst in response to Jesus’ challenge to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect”. It is difficult but possible to be attained with His grace.

In his thanksgiving speech after his ordination, Reverend Ganas fell into tears when he thanked his parents and siblings who are in Bohol who cannot attend due to the pandemic. He also thanked among others, Archbishop Valles for “the trust and love” and for Bishop Cabahug for making him “find himself and live again.” Above all, he thanked the Lord who did not give up on him. (Sem. Soren Abellanosa | Photos: Brenda P. Milan)