Diocese of Mati Savors Richness of Vocation

The Diocese of Mati has been richly blessed with the gift and grace of vocation, particularly the priestly vocation, as four seminarians were ordained as deacons at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral on February 14, 2020, Valentine’s Day.

The four seminarians, Rev. Ruben Duay Bentayao Jr., Rev. Richard Pahayahay Labo, Rev. Marlon Cutaran Requitillo, and Rev. Francis Obena Siblos were exuding with happiness and gratitude as Bp. Abel Apigo laid down his hands on their heads.

Rev. Francis Siblos said that the ordination was 99% God’s grace and providence, and 1% of his efforts.

“But it would be best if this vocation is relied 100% to God, because after all, with God, nothing is impossible. The challenge for us is to remain steadfast in our vocation,” he explained.

Bp. Abel Apigo was also very happy with the four, a proof of the vocation’s abundance in the Diocese.

“This means that the faith, the vocation is growing in the Diocese. As the shepherd to my flock, I am proud that four more has opted to answer His call. I am asking the young ones now to listen to the call. God has called you to be missionary disciples in this time, so be courageous to answer the call,” he said.

He also emphasized that in heeding to the call of vocation, they did not choose God, but it was God who chose them.

The thanksgiving banquet followed the Eucharistic Celebration at St. Therese Gym, Madang, City of Mati.

The parents of the newly ordained deacons were happier, saying that offering their children to God is their sacrifice of life.

Next month, there will be two sacerdotal ordinations in the Diocese, attesting that the Diocese is making a big try to be a haven of vocation success. (Neela Duallo)