Bp. Santos to 2 newly ordained OAR Deacons: “In your name there is already a sign that you will imitate Christ”

Mira-Nila Homes, QUEZON CITY- “The reason for this is simply the imitation of Christ. The imitation of Christ that leads to the establishment of the kingdom of God and the offering of the self…When I read your names tamang-tama yung pangalan nila isang Kristo (Cristito) Rey at isang Virgilio Cruz. In your name there is already a sign that you will imitate Christ,” said Most Rev. Bartolome G. Santos, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Iba, Zambales, during the Diaconal Ordination of Fray Virgilio C. Calalang, Jr., OAR, and Fray Cristito Rey P. Tepace, OAR last November 16, 2019.

In his homily, Bp. Santos exhorted that vows, particularly the vows as consecrated–Obedience, Poverty and Chastity–are all about the imitation of Christ. He addressed the two friars that they should be signs of God’s Kingdom.

He challenged all to go beyond mere kailangan (need). Bishop Bartolome in his conclusion articulated: “You are an offering. Salamat po sa mga magulang (Thank you to the parents for) allowing your sons to be offered…It is an offering of life, a thanksgiving, gratefulness to God who is so merciful and so gracious to us. Consider your life now, wherever you will be assigned, as an offering.”

The night before the Ordination, they solemnly professed their Faith, and they were reminded by Fray Lauro V. Larlar, OAR –Prior of Recoletos Formation Center – that being an ordained minister is not solely about the ministry, but first and foremost a call to holiness.

Few days after the Diaconal Ordination of the friars, their designated assignments were announced to the community: Rev. Tepace is assigned to the Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, Pasibi East, Urbiztondo, Pangasinan; while Rev Calalang is to the St. Raphael Parish, Plaridel, Aborlan, Palawan.