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A Function to Serve Together in Service: Cardinal Avincula Jr. ordains Br. Edward Jayson San Diego to the Order of Diaconate

Dec. 21, 2023 08:31 AM

Individual photograph of newly-ordained deacon, Rev. Edward Jay San Diego, after the 10:00 A.M. solemn Eucharistic Mass in the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazarene (Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

 

QUIAPO, MANILA – H.E. Jose Cardinal Advincula Jr., Archbishop of Manila, ordains Br. Edward Jayson San Diego to the order of diaconate during the 10:00 AM solemn Eucharistic celebration on November 25, 2023 in the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus the Nazarene. Thirty-one (31) priests concelebrate with six (6) deacons. 1,300 people witnessed this momentous sacrament of Holy Orders, including the family, relatives, and friends of Br. San Diego.

(Left) The proclamation of the Gospel of the Lord preceding the sacred rite of ordination of Rev. Edward Jay San Diego and (Right) during his marching down the church aisle with his family in the beginning of the Holy Mass celebration (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

After the proclamation of the Gospel, the first part is the presentation of Br. San Diego, as a candidate, called to stand before the assembly. Cardinal Advincula Jr. accepts the testimony that Br. San Diego is ‘found worthy’ and ready for the ordination. This is met with applause from the people. Cardinal Advincula Jr. proceeds to deliver his homily addressed to the ordainee.

(Left) Cardinal Advincula Jr. delivers his homily dedicated to (Right) Rev. Edward Jay San Diego before the official ordination rite begins (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

In his homily, Cardinal Advincula Jr. describes being a deacon is “not really a title, but a function.” Also, a ‘commitment to keep’. He gives the word ‘diaconate’ etymology from the Greek word “diakonia,” which means ‘service.’ He describes this service as the ‘beginning’ as he gives gratitude not only to the family of Br. San Diego for shaping, teaching, and guiding him to the Lord and the community of Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary and San Carlos Seminary, where he had spent his years as a seminarian. In his words of advice to the candidate:

“Sikapin mo na sumunod sa kanya. Tularan mo siya, sundin ang kalooban niya” (Strive to follow in Him. Learn to emulate Him and be obedient to His will).

(Left) Cardinal Advincula Jr. walking down the aisle of the church at the start of the Holy Mass and (Right) some of the concelebrant priests in one with the ordination of the Rev. San Diego to the order of diaconate (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

As a deacon, he is also a servant of the Church. This is a means of ‘giving what is due’ (pagtanaw ng utang na loob) to the Church and the people who supported him in this call to serve the Lord. He adds, “Ministry in the Church is always collaborative. And in the spirit of synodality, we should always remember that no one must serve alone. We should serve together in service”. In the second reading of St. Paul, to be a servant is to be noble. This pertains to the ‘attitude, disposition and values’ beyond one’s skills and capacities to serve in the Church assigned.

In the concluding part, Cardinal Advincula Jr. advised the newly ordained deacon, Br. San Diego, in these words:

“Pasanin mo ang krus ng paglilingkod na may galak at pag-ibig” (Carry the cross of service with joy and love).

(Left) The promise of the elected ordainee to accept the responsibilities of the diaconate as (Right) Rev. San Diego joins hands with Cardinal Advincula Jr. as a sign of fidelity and vowing respect and obedience to the archbishop and his successors (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

This homily is proceeded by the second part of this ordination rite wherein Br. San Diego made a series of promises to carry out the ministry of diaconate with humility and fidelity. Thereby, he knelt before Cardinal Advincula Jr. and placed his joined hands between the hands of the archbishop, giving the promise of obedience and respect to the latter and his successors.

(1st row from left to right) Rev. San Diego prostrate himself during the Litany of Supplication, where the congregation kneels and calls the intercession of the saints on behalf of the elect and (2nd row from left to right) the Prayer of Ordination (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

Following is the Litany of Saints, wherein the congregation knelt and called upon all the saints to intercede. In this part, the ordainee prostrate themself as an act of humble submission. Afterwards is the imposition of the archbishop’s hand on the head followed by the Prayer of Ordination conferring the gift of the Holy Spirit to Br. San Diego. At this time, the candidate is vested with the diaconate stole and dalmatic to be worn at Mass, signifying his new ministry.

(1st row from left to right) The vesting of diaconate stole and dalmatic and (2nd row from left to right) the receiving of the Book of the Gospel (Photos by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

Lastly, Br. San Diego receives the Book of the Gospel accompanied with the words from the archbishop of accepting Jesus and proclaiming Him with affirmation and conviction. All in all, with fulfillment. The rite concludes with a greeting of peace between Cardinal Advincula Jr. and now Rev. San Diego.

Group photograph of the concelebrating clergies and Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula Jr. with the newly-ordained deacon, Rev. Edward Jay San Diego (Photo by Social Communications Ministry (SOCCOMM), Quiapo Church)

A prayerful congratulations to you, Rev. Edward Jayson San Diego! With love and prayers from your Quiapo Church family! May our Lord Jesus of Nazarene continually bless and sustain you with His infinite grace!

– Kidanzac A. Tallada | ADRM & EIAM