ANTIPOLO – On February 2, 2021 at exactly 9 in the morning, Rev. Paulo Golpo Barbacias of Nuestra Señora de la Anunciata Parish, Rev. Orllie Jose Corsino Santos of St. John the Baptist Parish and Rev. John Paul Monterola Buenafe of Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Aranzazu officially entered priesthood as they undertake the vow of Holy Orders. The Ordination to the Sacred Order of Presbyters was led by the Bishop of Antipolo, Most Rev. Francisco Mendoza De Leon D.D. at the Parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Antipolo City.
Rev. John Paul Monterola Buenafe is the 8th ordained priest who grew and lived in San Mateo, Rizal. He lasted in seminary for approximately 13 years. Finally, those years inside the seminary are over because he will be able to serve and preach the parishioners of San Mateo.
According to the homily of Bishop De Leon, this ceremony is also called as candle mass as a symbol of light to the Gentiles, light to the people. He also mentioned that Mary plays a vital role in their life as priests. It was emphasized that there are many characteristics of Mary that they should follow in their journey. The first quality mentioned is the Acceptance of God’s Will, like Mary who said yes in beholding Jesus, the newly ordained priests also said yes to the call of service from God.
This is not the only time where they will say yes. In their everyday life as a server of God, they should always say yes. In their journey, they will encounter a number of obstacles, being rejected by their parishioners, having wrong information and being disciplined by the Bishop, but despite these challenges, they should overcome it as dedication in their chosen vocation.
Another characteristic of Mary that they should exhibit is the value of perseverance. Persevere to do the will of God no matter what it takes. Never give up in living the words of the Gospel. Lastly, the Bishop advised them to pray the rosary every single day because Mary will always guide them to the right path and enclose in the mantle of love.
After the vow of Holy Orders, a thanksgiving mass (Primera Misa Solemne) will be conducted at 6 PM which will be attended by the newly ordained priests, deacons, priests in the parish (Aranzazu Shrine), Priest from San Mateo Rizal and the Religious to celebrate the said event.
