Next in Line

this morning, three josefinos from the LIPAD (lubos na iniaalay ang puso sa amang dakila) class were ordained to the sacred order of deacons. the diaconate, a transitional ministry in preparation for ordination to the priesthood, is a ministry of service: in word (to proclaim the gospel during masses, to preach and to teach in a homily), in liturgy (to assist in various parts of the masses especially in communion), and in charity (to serve the poor and the marginalized). a deacon (from the greek διάκονος) is essentially a servant in the work of ministry in the church.

i am currently in my third year in theology, and i have to admit that this diaconal ordination makes me look forward to my own ordination very soon. though much work has yet to be done, ordinations like this brings much excitement and anticipation to me. it has been a long and winding journey for me, but i know that it has hardly entered its final stages. 12 years inside the seminary are just specks in relation to a lifetime of commitment to the priesthood. i've seen a lot, but i haven't seen them all.

this coming march 2012, i hope to get admitted for candidacy for holy orders. but before that will be pages to read, exams to pass, papers to write, publications to release, apostolates to attend to, basketball games to play, and prayers to pray. the fact remains that after this batch, i and the rest of my classmates are next in line.

so let's see what happens in september 2012. until then, i will pray well for perseverance in this vocation i am called to. i will study well for my future ministry. i will serve well in my duties and apostolates. and i will strive well to be formed as a son of san jose.