Fr. Caster K. Gonzadan Ordained

Two days after the ordination of Fr. Allen Basilio in Bontoc, another priest is added to the list of clergy of Bontoc-Lagawe. Father Caster K. Gonzadan, of Alfonso-Lista, Ifugao was ordained on 25 September 2009 at his own parish, Alfonso-Lista Catholic Mission.
As early as the morning on the eve of Fr. Caster's ordination, people started butchering 6 cows and 16 pigs, and cooking them for the next day's celebration. By that one could tell how big an affair the parishioners, led by its Mission Rector Fr. Christopher Arellano, had been preparing for.
Seminarians from San Carlos Seminary, mostly Fr. Caster's classmates, including some of his formators came on the eve of the ordination day. Bishop Rudy together with most of the Mt. Province district clergy also arrived on that eve.
Although the storm "Ondoy" was already creeping in, the Ordination was celebrated no less beautifully. During the homily, Bishop Rudy reminded Fr. Caster of the priest's dependence on God's grace and his role as a shepherd of Christ's flock. He explained to the ordinand the meaning of the Rite itself, his promises, and most especially the role of the community in making Fr. Caster a priest "from the people and for the people."
At the end of the ceremonies. Fr. Caster thanked everyone especially his community - friends, former classmates, neighbors and family - for giving all their support to the celebration. His voice cracked in thanking his family for their unconditional love especially as he was a "boy of poor health" who needed special care and attention.
Fr. "Boyet," the name he had been missing to hear since he had left Alfonso-Lista for his seminary formation, recalled how he had been blessed by the presence of his friends and family. He also took the courage in reminding his immediate family that now he "belongs to the bigger family of God" and he was no more solely "theirs" but "shared to others."
After the Eucharistic celebration, there was a big lunch served to all and a program followed.
Meanwhile, the priests immediately started preparing for a meeting on the planning of a voters' education program as a result of the August 2008 Tongtongan. The weather became worse in the afternoon and so people began going back home.
Father Caster is assigned as parochial vicar of Banaue Catholic Mission to assist Msgr. Francis Balacuit.