Widower ordained as priest

The Diocese of Antipolo welcomed a new priest on Friday.

But 66-year old Rev. Fr. Lamberto Ramos case is “special” as he is a widower with children.

During Ramos’ priestly ordination at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Antipolo Bishop Franciso de Leon said with the former’s age and background, he could have chosen to marry again or simply enjoy his retirement, but instead he chose to become a priest.

“Why did he want to become a priest? What motivated him to aspire to the priesthood in this sunset of his life? The answer is love…the love of God for him,” he said in his homily.

And Fr. Lamberto, De Leon said responded to God’s love by desiring again to become a priest.

“He believes that his vocation to the priesthood is 55 years in the making,” he said.

“Vocation to the priesthood is God’s gift to him. That God chooses him,” added De Leon.

The Antipolo prelate reminded Ramos that his love for the Lord and God choosing him will demand lots of sacrifices from him.

“I expect that your rich experience, works, married life, parenting will bear lots of fruits for the greater glory of God and for the good of His flock,” said De Leon.

In his speech, Fr. Lamberto attributed this new chapter in his life to the Holy Spirit.

“Here I am starting all over again..I attribute this to the work of the Holy Spirit. This is all about grace and in all humility I accept,” he said.

Information from the Official Facebook page of the Antipolo diocese revealed that Fr. Lamberto was married to Vilma Ramos who succumbed to cancer in 2009, and a father to three children.

He is also a known business executive of Nextel, James Hardie, Alaska, Cleanway Technology Corp. and Learnix Global Philippines.

Father Lamberto will be assigned at the Our Lady of the Abandoned in Marikina City.