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A SACRED YES FOR A DEEPER CALLING: NEW FIVE SERVANTS ORDAINED TO THE DIACONATE MINISTRY

Dec. 09, 2025 02:59 PM

Manila, Philippines – December 6, 2025
A profound moment of grace filled the The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Intramuros, Manila, as the Church joyfully celebrated the Eucharistic Celebration and Ordination to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate of Rev. Joshua Francis Garcia, Rev. Ken Patrick Habana, Rev. Janmark Vince Luz, Rev. Joniel Plana and Rev. Ernest Gio Velasco. The sacred rite was presided over by His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila.

This sacred milestone marks the culmination of the ordinandi’s years of spiritual, pastoral, human, and intellectual formation. Their faithful response to God’s call reflects their unwavering commitment to serve the People of God with humility, charity, and steadfast devotion.

A Homily Rooted in the Year of Hope

In his homily, Cardinal Advincula congratulated the ordinandi, expressing gratitude that their diaconal ordination took place within the Year of Hope—a providential reminder of their mission as future servants of the Church. He offered three central reflections that capture the heart of the diaconate: Hope Received, Hope Revealed, and Hope Restored.

Hope Received

Cardinal Advincula began with the call of the prophet Jeremiah, who did not enter his mission through personal ambition but through divine initiative. Jeremiah’s vocation reminds every servant of the Church that hope originates from God’s movement, not human effort.

“It is always God who makes the first move,” the Cardinal emphasized. The prophet—and the deacon—simply responds:
“I knew you.”
“I appoint you.”

He added, “You are not here to invent hope, but to receive the hope that God has always placed in you.” The Cardinal continued, “Bawat isa sa inyo ay tanda ng pag-asa na handog ng Diyos sa mundo—pag-asang malugod ninyong tinatanggap upang mas malalim na tanggapin ng mundo.” (Each one of you is a sign of the hope that God offers to the world—a hope you gladly receive so that the world may embrace it more deeply). In this way, the diaconate becomes a ministry of hope received from God and offered to His people.

Hope Revealed

Turning to the second reading, Cardinal Advincula reflected on St. Paul’s image of the divine treasure carried in earthen vessels. The contrast emphasizes the humility of the servant: the treasure is God’s grace, while the vessel is frail humanity. Hope is revealed when the life of a deacon becomes a transparent window to Christ.

A deacon reveals Christ: In the world, by proclaiming the Gospel with clarity and humility. At the altar, through faithful service that leads the community to worship. Among the poor, when compassion becomes a living sacrament of God’s presence. The Cardinal noted that in every act of service, the deacon reveals—not himself—but Christ who strengthens and sends him. Thus, the diaconate is a ministry of hope revealed.

Hope Restored

Reflecting on the Gospel, the Cardinal recalled Jesus’ loving encounter with Peter. Jesus not only forgave Peter—He restored him and entrusted him once more with mission. As the Cardinal expressed, “Para bang sinasabi ni Hesus kay Pedro: kahit tatlong ulit mo pa akong kalimutan at talikuran, tatlong ulit pa rin kitang pagkakatiwalaan; tatlong ulit ko pa ring ipapaalala sa iyo na may pag-asa ka pa.” (It is as if Jesus is telling Peter: even if you deny and abandon Me three times, I will still trust you three times; I will still remind you, again and again, that there is still hope for you.)

This divine willingness to restore, heal, and send anew lies at the heart of Christian hope. For the Cardinal, this is the essence of the diaconal ministry: to help restore hope in the hearts of God’s people through service and compassion. He concluded:“Hope received, hope revealed, and hope restored—this is the diaconal ministry of hope. The diaconate reflects the very heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. It is the sacrament of the Father’s hope for the world.”

Following the Rite of Ordination, Rev. Janmark delivered a heartfelt message to the community. He began by offering praise and thanksgiving to God for His providence and accompaniment throughout their journey of formation, and for calling them to the ministry of service.

He expressed deep gratitude to Cardinal Advincula for his fraternal guidance, and extended his thanks to their families, formators, parish communities, ministries, benefactors, and organizations who supported, welcomed, and nurtured them during their years of preparation.

Their words of gratitude echoed the spirit of service that defines the diaconate: a readiness to respond with generous hearts to the needs of the Church and the world.

As the Church welcomes these five new deacons, the faithful are encouraged to accompany them with prayers, support, and encouragement. Their ordination marks not the end of their formation, but the beginning of a deeper calling—to serve with humility, to proclaim Christ with courage, and to embody hope in a world longing for God’s presence.

May their ministry as deacons reflect the heart of Christ the Servant— bringing hope received, revealing hope in action, and restoring hope wherever it has faded.

 

 

 

Ge Del Castillo / Quiapo Social Communications