Malolos’ Catholic bishop ordained eight new priests Tuesday, urging them to embrace lives of integrity, humility, and selfless service as they begin their ministry in one of the country’s largest dioceses.
During the ordination Mass at the Malolos Cathedral, Bishop Dennis Villarojo reminded the ordinands that priesthood is a vocation of service, not a pursuit of power, privilege or personal gain.
In his homily, he said integrity is not rooted in personal perfection but in God’s mercy and grace.
“We think integrity is being whole. That’s right. But we are made whole by the mercy and grace of God. We are broken; the Lord is just working on us. He is crafting us, so let’s not overdo it.” Villarojo said.
The bishop described priests as servants entrusted with God’s people, comparing the Lord to an artisan patiently shaping a masterpiece.
“We are made to be servants; let us not go beyond and become Lords. We are made to be shepherds; let us not go beyond and become wolves,” Villarojo said.
He also warned against materialism that may treat the ministry as a source of personal benefit.
“We received freely; let us also give freely, expecting nothing in return. Avoid the situation where every work comes with an envelope,” he said.
Villarojo stressed that priestly credibility is measured not only by preaching but by the witness of one’s life.
He urged the newly ordained priests to build relationships that strengthen and empower people rather than foster dependence.
“Let your relations be empowering. They should give people strength and capability, not create dependencies that lead to manipulation,” he said.
The bishop also cautioned against using influence or authority to gain power, saying priests must remain faithful servants of the Gospel.
“Let us not use this ability to gather power for ourselves or become instruments of corruption,” he said.
The eight priests were ordained for the Diocese of Malolos, which covers Bulacan province and Valenzuela City. Family members, fellow clergy, religious and lay faithful filled the cathedral at the ordination rites.
Ordained to the priesthood were Fathers Kelvin Yonell Cruz Alejandro, Wyntelmou Michiko Gabat Avila, Ariz Vargas De Castro, Mark Joseph Santos Lorenzo, Joshua Alfaro Reyes, RR Antoni Camorungan Reyes, Samuel Nicole Carpio Reyes, and Kristian Lum Tolentino.
Among those present were Bishop Bartolome Santos Jr. of Iba and Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez Jr., bishop emeritus of Kalookan.
