Two SDV deacons ordained to priesthood at OLLP

Rev. Jerson Balili and Rev. Lexter Caras, both from the Society of Divine Vocations (SDV), were ordained to the Sacred Order of Presbyters on 25 April 2022, during the Feast of Saint Mark, the Evangelist. Their ordination was administered by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. Archbishop of Davao, at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bangkal, Davao City.

Rev. Jerson is a parishioner of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bangkal, while Rev. Lexter is from the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish in Banga, South Cotabato in the Diocese of Marbel. Both are graduates of the Regional Major Seminary in Mindanao.

“There is no doubt, forever we sing the goodness of the Lord,” acclaimed Abp. Valles in his homily quoting the responsorial psalm as he gave his confirmation for Rev. Jerson and Rev. Lexter to be ordained to the priesthood in the presence of a score of priests from SDV and the diocese, their respective families and the parishioners.

“One of those ways that the grace of God is very manifest is the gift of priesthood that He offers in His very mysterious ways and I would say sometimes very crooked ways”, Valles continued, “God allows that extraordinary grace offer of salvation and love… that beauty is shown today by two among us… both of you after this ordination in a special way would lead us, lead the community that you would be entrusted to, to lead; to lead people, inspire people, move people, move people to conversion so that again each one through your ministry will sing forever the goodness of the Lord.”

Their ordination was also observed by many parishioners. “I pray for their spiritual growth and willingness to serve as the Holy Spirit is really at work, wanting and making effort to honor God,” remarked by OLLP Catechist Elenita Biag, confirming the huge number of parishioners who witnessed the ordination as an expression of their support.

“It was not easy, it is not easy, and it will never be easy, but it was, it is, and will always be the Lord; and so we gave our yes, we say yes to Him and by His grace we will continue to do so,” uttered newly ordained Father Jerson in his statement of sincerest gratitude in behalf of his fellow newly-ordained Father Lexter and the SDV community.

“We have come this far not because of who we are, but because of who God is, and because of all those people who have been consistent and constant in supporting us in many ways,” Father Jerson continued as he enumerated his gratitude to all their acquaintances. “Daghan, daghan kaayong salamat,” Father Jerson ended. (Vonz M. Hijada, MAT, OLLP SoCCom | Photos: DCH, Brenda Pacana Milan)