13 ushered into diaconate order

CEBU, Philippines - At least 13 seminarians will be ordained to the diaconate today as part of their pursuit in becoming Roman Catholic priests.

They are seminarians Arnel Autida, Teodoro Baruc, Dave Christopher Cantillas, Renato Destacamento, Severino Escobido, Kent Dahrel Galo, Erik Orio, Arnel Ponce, Giuseppe Pongase, Melchor Rizon, Florido Rosales, Jonathan Rubin, Junrey Siman.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma will ordain  the  seminarians, who underwent rigid formation of their scholastic and psychological profile. 

The diaconate ordination, a step on the seminarians’ journey toward the priesthood, will be held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral 10 a.m. today.

The seminarians will receive a sermon and baptism during the mass.

According to the Liturgy of Ordination, once ordained as deacons, the seminarians would work with the bishop and the priests as “heralds of Christ’s kingdom.”

As “agents of God’s purposes of love,” they are also expected to proclaim the gospel in their works and deeds, serve the community, and bring to the Church the needs and hope of all the people.

They are likewise expected to work with their fellow deacons in searching out the poor and weak, the sick and lonely, and those who are oppressed and powerless, reaching the “forgotten corners of the world.”

Moreover, they must assist in administering the sacraments, distribute communion, and minister to the sick and housebound, among others.

The Sacred Diaconate Order is among the seven Sacred Orders of the Church.  (FREEMAN)