In the afternoon Eucharistic celebration on December 8, 2017, SSP Deacons Dindo Purto and Reymel Ramos were ordained to the sacerdotal ministry by Msgr. Elmer Macalinao, auxiliary bishop of Lingayen, Dagupan. The ceremony held at the Sanctuary of Saint Paul on SSP Makati was attended by some 40 concelebrating priests, members of the Pauline Family, and the candidates’ family, relatives, benefactors and friends.
In his homily, Bishop Elmer elucidated the grace, dignity, as well as the great responsibility of the priesthood. It is a grace granted by God to whom he chooses; it is not something that is merited by the candidate. At the same time, the priests should strive to be close to the Lord Jesus and to God’s people entrusted to them, especially the poor. The Bishop then pointed to Mary Immaculate as the sign of the outpouring of God’s grace as well as the response we must have to receive such grace. Pointing to the current social and political situation of the country, he said that it is “the worst time” which can be “the best time” to be priests and bishop.
After communion, Fr. Khris Llacer read the letter from Rome of the Superior General Don Valdir José De Castro. The Superior General recalled the priestly ordination of the young James Alberione: Exactly 110 years ago, the young James Alberione was ordained priest in Alba. You, today, receive the same ministry in Makati City. The young Alberione was answering to that deep desire to do something for the men and women of the new century, that desire which for you now is expressed in the words of Jesus that you carried in your invitation card: ‘I am in the midst of you as one who serves’ (Lk 22:27).”
After the Mass, the priests and the faithful gathered at the Don Zanoni Gym for the reception. The new priests will have their Thanksgiving Mass in their native towns next year: Fr. Dindo in Banga, South Cotabato, and Fr. Reymel in Hamtic, Antique.
