Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu ordained nine men to the priesthood on Thursday, September 17, during an invitation-only Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
In keeping with the country’s quarantine protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic, each ordinand was allowed a limited number of guests.
The ceremony was held as the country entered its sixth month of quarantine.
With the ordination of new priests, Archbishop Palma said the archdiocese has more reason to rejoice even amidst the pandemic.
“COVID-19 will pass but this celebration will forever be part of our history and the love of God will forever stay,” the archbishop said in his homily.
He reminded the new priests to view their calling as a mission and to engage the world with the Gospel message of Jesus.
“We find joy if we are aware that our life is meant to be shared with God’s people,” Archbishop Palma said.
The ordinands prostrated before the altar while the assembly prayed the Litany of Supplication.
The archbishop imposed his hands on each of them invoking the Holy Spirit.
The newly ordained priests are Leo Lou Arce, Res Kenneth Arong, Julrie Camay, Christian Jame Mayol, Rogel Murillo, Christopher Carl Ompad, Jonas Yap, Gilbert Ytang, and Romel Rey Rosil.
Archbishop Palma thanked the families of the new priests “for cultivating the desire to serve God in your sons.”
“Cebu is number one in terms of the number of priests in many ways because of you, our dear families,” he said.
