New deacons: Abp. Valles to ordain six deacons of Davao

Archbishop of Davao Romulo G. Valles is set to ordain six deacons next month.

Through the laying on of hands of the bishop, the following will receive the sacrament of Holy Orders:

Sem. Louis Jasper V. Alfeche from Immaculate Conception Parish, Mintal
Sem. Marvin M. Del Campo from San Antonio de Padua Parish, Agdao
Sem. Efren A. Gubac, Jr. from Immaculate Conception Parish, Mintal
Sem. Ramon C. Jamora, Jr. from St. Francis of Assisi Parish, La Verna
Sem. John Patrick P. Pelonio from San Pablo Parish
Sem. Mark Kim B. Samones from Virgen Dolorosa Parish, Babak

The ordination is set on September 3 at the San Pedro Cathedral at 9:00 AM.

The six will become part of the clergy, being transitional deacons who are in the last phase of training for priesthood. After being a deacon for a year, they can be ordained priest by the bishop.

As deacons, they can baptize, solemnize marriages, perform funeral and burial services outside of Mass, distribute Holy Communion, give the homily during the Mass, and are obliged to pray the Divine Office (Breviary) everyday.

CALLED TO SERVE

“Since we were still in the seminary formation, we have been discerning if God really called us to this vocation,” Sem. Jamora said.

“Upon knowing about the schedule of the ordination, my discernment is tentatively confirmed,” he said, adding that, “I’m happy with this development. Hapit na gyud ma-confirm ang akong discernment kung para ba gyud ko sa priestly life.”

For Sem. Pelonio, he is happy that finally the archbishop has decided to ordain them to the diaconate though he’s afraid of this responsibility.

“I am unworthy of this call. Despite my weaknesses and sins, God has called me in this vocation,” he said.

“Amidst all my fears, I am confident that the one who calls me will never abandon me. He is the one who would say ‘Come and see. Do not be afraid,'” Sem. Pelonio added.

UNEXPECTED

Sem. Samones thought that he will not be part of the list of to-be-ordained deacons.

“During the June presbyterium meeting, when the archbibshop announced the schedule of our ordination, I could not understand the feeling. I don’t know if I would be happy or worried, considering that my mind was conditioned that I would not be included in this batch of ordinandi, and be included in the next batch instead,” he said, adding:

“So it really came to me as a big surprise. Right now, as ordination draws near one thing is for sure, I am nervous thinking about my journey, the real journey that is about to begin.”

“In all these feelings and thoughts, I guess the best that I have to do is immerse myself in deep prayer,” said Sem. Samones.

The soon-to-be deacons chose the theme: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart but it is the Lord’s will that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)