SVD priestly ordination
ST. Francis of Assisi once said that if he met an angel and a priest at the same time, he would greet the priest first. The reason is because he is the representative of Christ HimseIf. He has power that angels and the most powerful civil rulers do not possess.
* * * The humblest priest by his word can convert bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, and he can absolve a penitent from his sins in confession.
* * * Yesterday, December 3, I attended the ordination of nine SVD deacons of the class “Vivat.” They were ordained at the Divine Word Seminary Chapel in Tagaytay presided by Most Rev. John F. Du. D.D., archbishop of Palo, in the concelebrated ceremonies and Mass.
* * * Since the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) is a missionary congregation, usually one-half or more of the batch are assigned to foreign countries, especially Africa where there’s a dire need of missionaries.
During our time in the 70s when there were still few Filipino SVDs manning our various apostolates, fewer were sent abroad.
* * * When I made my application for the mission prior to ordination,” I wrote as my first choice: Mexico, South America but unfortunately, I didn’t get my wish. And the farthest I’ve gone to is Mexico…Pampanga!
* * * In connection with sending Filipino missionaries abroad, I am sometimes asked why we have to “export” Filipino missionaries when there is a shortage in the country.
Much like the poor widow generously dropping into the temple treasury a few pennies, we can contribute overseas missionaries despite our shortage and that becomes even more meritorious. * * * Moreover, what would we Filipinos be if those gallant pioneering European missionaries did not leave their countries, risk their lives in order to evangelize us!
* * * PRIESTS NOT BIONIC. Because of the sacrifice, discipline and total dedication demanded by the vocation, very few persevere to the end. When one is ordained a priest, he doesn’t cease to be a human person or become some kind of a spiritual bionic man or a “superman.”
* * * The anointing of holy oil, the imposition of the bishop’s hands do not take away the young man’s unique personality, his human weaknesses, or even his sexual urge.
Yes, we all say that priests are only human. Yet when they become a bit too human, when they exhibit the same weaknesses laypeople show to others, we tend to be quick in jumping on them.
* * * When a priest is serious-looking and loses his temper occasionally, we say he’s cranky; when he engages in social action or champions the rights of the oppressed, he’s a “subversive” or a “communist.” When seen with women, he’s a playboy; when he’s seen with men, he’s gay, when he is close to kids, he’s a pedophile! Dios ko day!
* * * Poor priest, sometimes he doesn’t know where to put himself. But as one writer remarks, “When he dies...there may be no one to replace him.”
In this light, it would be good if lay people are more supportive, more understanding, more affirming of their priests; above all, pray for them.
* * * YOU ARE INVITED… by the XVD Association, Inc. to a FREE Rosary Concert in celebration of the Immaculate Conception on Dec 8, 2016, 5:00 pm at the Shrine of Jesus the Divine Word (Christ the King Seminary compound). It will be followed by a Holy Mass at 6:00 p.m. to be presided by Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD. Rector of Christ the King Seminary.