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Reverends Anthony Capirayan, Keiv Aires Dimatatac, and Levy Faderanga were ordained to the Sacred Order of Presbyters in the morning of October 24, 2020 at St. Paul Sanctuary in Makati. The ordaining prelate was His Excellency Most Reverend Roberto Gaa, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Novaliches. The Eucharistic celebration with the Rite of Ordination was done with simplicity and with limited guests in keeping with the health protocols.

In his homily, Bishop Gaa talked about God’s faithfulness in loving us, most especially in this difficult time. As ordained priests during the COVID-19 pandemic, the bishop reminded them that “to be priests now is difficult” but it should never limit “the love that we are called to share with others, the love that ministry demands from us.” Thus, the ministry of the priesthood should be an expression and a reminder of God’s love for his people, leading people to trust and be closer to God.

In his message, Superior General Don Valdir José de Castro exhorted the newly ordained priests: “as Pauline priests, bring with you the yearning of St. Paul and Blessed James Alberione. Go out, search, encounter… be ‘editors,’ that is, persons who give Jesus to the world, like Mary Queen of the Apostles, with modern ways of communication, where the new languages are the cultural context within which you announce the Gospel. As you preside in the Eucharist, educate yourselves to ‘preside’ in charity by living as ‘artisans of communion’.”

Before they imparted their first priestly blessing, Fr. Keiv Aires Dimatatac gave the thanksgiving message on behalf of the group, mentioning the people who were instrumental in their formative journey towards priesthood.

The rites were carried online through Sambuhay TV Mass YouTube channel and Facebook page to enable the family members, relatives, and friend of the candidates to join virtually in the celebration.

Fr. Anthony Capirayan is with the seminary community and assigned also as formator, member of the faculty, and editor of the Youngster magazine. Fr. Keiv Aires Dimatatac is with the Makati community and is assigned as Assistant Manager for STPAULS Audio-Visual Department. Fr. Levy Faderanga is with the Cagayan de Oro community as Wholesale Manager pending his transfer to Macau community.