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THREE MSP SEMINARIANS ARE NOW ORDAINED DEACONS

ON THE FEAST of Mary Magdalene, three seminarians of the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP) were ordained as deacons at 2:00 pm at the MSP Seminary in Tagaytay City. The newly ordained deacons are: Rev Arvin Mosqueda of Bohol; Rev Robert Saballo of Lubang Island (Mindoro) and Rev Percy Singco of Cebu. Bp Luis Antonio Tagle, STD, DD, the bishop of the Diocese of Imus, who has just arrived from the World Youth Day festivities in Australia, was the ordaining bishop.

The simple celebration was witnessed by the MSP priests, seminarians, family members of the ordinands, and some friends and guests. The MSP priests who attended were those assigned in Luzon area. However, the MSP-Cebu was represented by Fr Willy Borces and Fr Rollie Detera. There were three from the foreign mission: Fr Jools Amamangpang (Taiwan), Fr Ver Aro (New Zealand), and Fr Dong Marcaida (who just left Korea). Two diocesan priests from Bohol also joined.

In his homily, Bp Tagle reminded the ordinands and the people of God that “diakonos” (translated as service) is the foundation of the Church. Then, the theologian-bishop reflected on the life of the saint of the day and her significance to missionary life. Bp Tagle found it interesting to have the ordination done on her day.

First, Bp Tagle shared the sad part of the saint because she became the “object of gossips” even until now. Stories and movies have been made about Mary Magdalene’s and her “sexual” relationship with Jesus. It is so sad the people continue to make some speculative stories about her. Second, the saint has a great significance to mission because, as the Fathers describe her, she is the “apostola apostolorum” (the apostle of the apostles).

One good sight in the rite of ordination was the presence of another three deacons: Rev Lloyd and Rev Clarence of the Lorenzo Ruiz Mission Society and Rev Eugene, a Capuchin who was a classmate of the three ordinands. Many were moved during the “kiss of peace” among the deacons, a gesture of unity and collaboration in the order of deacons.

Snacks were served after the ordination. A simple program also was prepared to the delight of the guests.

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