Newly Ordained Caragueño Priest to keep guard of the People of God

May 04, 2024 — With great joy and gratitude, the Congregation of Schools of Charity rejoiced as one Cavanis brother, Rev. Charles Pauliño Bantayan, CSCh received the Sacrament of Holy Orders, making him the 11th Caragueño priest, at San Salvador del Mundo Parish, Caraga, Davao Oriental. The ordination was presided over by Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, D.D., Bishop of Mati.

The event was graced by the Diocesan Clergy, priests from the Cavanis Fathers led by the superior delegate Rev. Fr. Armando Bacalso, CSCh, the East Timor Mission-in-charge Rev. Fr. Jose Valdir Sequeira, CSCh who travelled all the way from East Timor, Cavanis and RVM Sisters, Cavanis and Diocesan Seminarians, family, relatives, and friends of the newly ordained, and the parishioners.

Bishop Apigo in his homily reminded Fr. Bantayan of the significant influence of the seminary on the formation of his vocation. “Do not forget to thank your formators and your seminary. Go back and offer a mass and thank your seminary professors and your companions in the community.”

Notwithstanding the agony after the loss of the great influences in discovering his vocation — his parents and his sibling for three consecutive years, Fr. Bantayan still pursued his chosen vocation to the priesthood. He believed well in his personal motto, “For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:1)”. Even with the absence of his beloved family members, he continued his journey and walked by faith.

As the Diocese of Mati marked its Ruby Jubilee this year, Bishop Apigo rejoiced for the gift of priestly and missionary vocation of Fr. Bantayan. Although not as a Diocesan Priest, but the fact that he is a Caragueño still under the wing of the Diocese of Mati, is something to be proud of. He added an unsolicited advice Fr. Bantayan to be true to his family name, which in Cebuano [ban.tá.yan.] means “to keep guard” of the people of God and be a good shepherd. Truly, Caraga once again proved the richness of its Catholic faith as another Caragueño stepped up and answered the call to become a shepherd of God’s flock. (Nicole Basingan Palmera – Mati SoCCom)