‘We are now priests of Christ’

TAGUM CITY—Newly ordained priest, Fr. Jerum Quitoriano recounted how he got to know the priesthood when he became a convent boy in the parish of Fr. Juanito Lozano, whom he thanked after he received the sacrament of ordination, April 7.

Fr. Quitoriano said it is through his experience in the parish that he knew about what priesthood is and got attracted to it. And with his ordination, he and four of his co-ordinandi now finally say that they are priests of Christ.

During the thanksgiving message, Fr. Quitoriano sang a few lines from the song “Paring Pilipino” before he delivered his thanksgiving message in behalf of his companions.

Fr. Quitoriano is from Sto. Niño Parish, Panabo City. He received the sacrament of ordination through the laying on of hands of Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz. Together with him are Fr. Jonathan Autida from San Antonio de Padua Chaplaincy in TADECO, Fr. Victor Lechido, Jr. from San Miguel Parish, Sto. Tomas, Fr. Tito Urbiztondo from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maco, and Fr. Jemeuel Tadanon from San Jose Parish, Pantukan.

Also ordained to the diaconate is Rev. Roselo Melloria from Holy Family Parish, Laak.

Fr. Quitoriano, Fr. Urbiztondo, Fr. Tadanon, and Rev. Melloria are graduates of St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary. Their rector, Msgr. Abel Apigo and other priest formators also concelebrated in the mass and rite of ordination.

Fr. Autida and Fr. Lechido are graduates of University of Sto. Tomas Central Seminary in Manila.

The ordination was attended by the families, friends and parishioners of the newly-ordained, together with some delegation coming from the parishes in the Archdiocese of Davao.

The ordination was held in time for the celebration of the 73rd birthday of Bishop Manlapaz.