Mira-Nila Homes, Quezon City, Philippines – The Order of Augustinian Recollects of the province of St. Ezekiel Moreno (Philippines) is blessed to have the diaconal ordination of the three young recollect friars last November 27, 2021.
Fray Ricky John Austria, OAR from Tiwi, Albay, Fray Julius James Tinapao, OAR from Bayawan City, Negros Oriental and Fray James Erold Gatinao, OAR from Nara, Palawan were the three candidates who courageously and selflessly gave themselves to the service of deacon a step closer to priesthood.
The ordination was held in Our Lady of Consolation Parish and facilitated by Most Rev. Roberto Gaa, D.D. the local ordinary of the Diocese of Novaliches. Fray Ian Espartero, OAR the vicar of the province represented Fray Dionisio Selma, OAR the prior provincial who was in Spain for a gathering of the provincials of the Order of the Augustinian Recollects. Recollect religious and priests, coming from the different communities in Luzon, concelebrated.
Bishop Gaa in his homily emphasized that deacons as well as ordained priests are always called to serve and not to be served. He then challenged the candidates to reach out to those who are less in life but more in faith and likewise to those who are living comfortably in life in this time of pandemic. The bishop asked them to adjust to this this transition. This is their form of service to the Church and her people.
The celebration was streamed online via Facebook to allow relatives and friends and family members of the ordained to witness their ordination. After the sacred Mass, lunch was at the Bulwagang Rekoleto.
Congratulations Reverends!
