Friars Edwin Irvin Ramirez Bautista, Adam Esponilla Dalac, Jose Romero Fababair, and Jumil Jumoc Alcosada were ordained on Feb. 5 at the Sanctuario de San Pedro Baustista in Quezon City. (Photo: Maria Tan)
MANILA, Feb. 7, 2016— With family and friends filling the Sanctuario de San Pedro Baustista in Quezon City Feb. 5, four men were ordained deacons for the Order of Friars Minor, or the Franciscans.
“Minister with joy, minister with charity without counting the cost,” said Bishop Antonio Tobias of Novaliches during his homily.
Echoing the words of Pope Francis, he said the deacons must “serve with joy” and exhorted them to “put a smile on your face as you serve.”
The Mass, a celebration of joy and thanksgiving, also prompted reflection on the major responsibilities given to the newly ordained.
“Their ministry of sacrifice is united in the sacrifice of Jesus the Lord. And so they are challenged to sacrifice as God’s servant,” said the prelate.
Tobias also urged the new deacons to remain as “servants” even if they become priests or even bishops in the future.
Those ordained were Friars Edwin Irvin Ramirez Bautista, Adam Esponilla Dalac, Jose Romero Fababair, and Jumil Jumoc Alcosada. (Maria Tan / CBCPNews)
