Three New Deacons

In a simple and very solemn celebration of the Eucharist marking the end the Year of the Priests, Bishop Rudy Beltran ordained three new deacons for Bontoc-Lagawe in the morning of 19 June 2010 at the Sta. Rita Cathedral, Bontoc, Mountain Province. They are Jeason A. Cabacab, Ferdinand M. Fullatao, and Harry James Gawongna.
Present in the celebration are the priests of Bontoc-Lagawe; Fr. Gerard Borja, CM, rector of De Paul House of Formation, who presented Deacons Ferdie and Harry to the Bishop in the Ordination Rite; Fr. Manuel Flores, Jr., spiritual director of Immaculate Conception School of Theology in Vigan City; who in turn presented Deacon Jeason. There were also the parents of the ordinands, lay people of Talubin, Bontoc from where Rev. Ferdie hails, lay people of Mayoyao, Ifugao from where Rev. Harry hails, and lay people of Bauko from where Rev. Jeason hails.
In his homily, Bishop Rudy explained the deacon as primarily a servant of people. He also echoed the call of Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Rosales of Manila to conversion of the priests. He said that the holiness of priests must outshine the holiness of the lay people.
After the Mass, there was a program showcasing the dances of the different groups present in the occasion. A simple lunch was also served to everyone present. Bro. Russel Habungan, our seminarian regent staying in Bontoc, served as commentator in the mass and emcee of the program.
After this event, Rev. Harry would go back to Saint Vincent School of Theology to finish his studies. Rev. Ferdie would be wrapping up his thesis and some final requirements also at SVST and sooner would be given an assignment. Rev. Jeason had been in Bauko assisting the parish priest, Fr. Armand Quindo, who was currently on vacation.
This latest ordination brings the number of our deacons to five. Deacon Ricardo Amiling is presently assigned to Butigue, Paracelis. He was absent in the ordination because of illness. Deacon Ricardo Samonte is now taking care of Sabangan Catholic Mission.