Seven friars ordained as deacons

Mira-Nila Homes, QUEZON CITY—Seven Augustinian Recollect friars of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno were ordained as deacons through the imposition of hands by Most Rev. Nolly Buco, JCD, DD, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo. This momentous event took place on November 17, 2018, Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Salud, at Our Lady of Consolation Parish church, Quezon City.

The newly ordained deacons were:

• Fray Jorr Rabacal, OAR, from San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
• Fray Benjamine Monday Edobor, OAR, from Lagos City, Nigeria
• Fray Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem, OAR, from Delta State, Nigeria
• Fray Jovy Gallego, OAR, from San Vicente, Palawan
• Fray Andrie Pugate, OAR, from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur
• Fray Tomokatsu Yamaguchi, OAR, from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
• Fray Jessriel Marcha, OAR, from Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

Of this group of friars, five were sent to Spain to participate in the common Month of Preparation proximate to their Solemn Profession. They were Frays Rabacal, Gallego, Pugate, Yamaguchi, and Marcha. The two Nigerians, Frays Edobor and Omem, also belong to this group and made their Month of Preparation in Baguio. These seven Recollects were the first ordinandi of Bishop Nolly Buco, DD, who has just received his Episcopal Consecration last September 8, 2018.

Bishop Nolly shared with the congregation that, as a “first timer,” he “shall pray over them and lay hands upon them as an effective sign by which the Holy Spirit will fashion in the depths of their heart the image of Christ the deacon, Christ the servant of all, who came ‘not to be served but to serve, to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Mt. 20:28).”

Bishop Nolly also reminded the ordinandi of the ministries and roles of deacons that they may be “effective in action,” that is, “effective in ministry…gentle in ministry, and constant in prayer.” He even shared his experience as a deacon and recalled the moments when he was troubled. “Every time you feel so lonely and afraid, talk to Jesus, talk to Mary,” said Bishop Nolly.

More than 30 Augustinian Recollect priests and diocesan priests concelebrated with the ordaining prelate. The Augustinian Recollect Sisters, Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity, Recollect Augustinian Youth, and members of the Sisters of Mary and their scholars were also present. Also, the families, friends, relatives, and other guests of the ordinandi graced the event.

(Photo below: From L-R, 2nd row: Fray Benjamine Monday Edobor, OAR, Fray Jovy Gallego, OAR, Most Rev. Nolly Buco, JCD, DD, and Fray Jessriel Marcha, OAR. From L-R, 1st row: Fray Jorr Rabacal, OAR, Fray Andrie Pugate, OAR, and Fray Tomokatsu Yamaguchi, OAR.)