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FR. JONATHAN MOJICA APPOINTED SEMINARY COUNSELLOR, BEGINS NEW CHAPTER IN MINISTRY

Apr. 27, 2026 09:43 AM

His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula has appointed Rev. Fr. Jonathan Noel M. Mojica as Counsellor of San Carlos Seminary, effective April 15, 2026.

The appointment, signed on March 19, 2026—the Solemnity of St. Joseph—recognizes Fr. Jonathan’s human, spiritual, pastoral, and professional gifts in providing proper accompaniment to seminarians, in line with the Ratio Fundamentalis and the National Ratio for the Philippines.

In his Thanksgiving mass homily, Fr. Jonathan offered a simple yet deep question to the faithful: “What can you offer?” He reflected on how people often try to impress when asked what they can do. Yet he shared a story of a street sweeper who humbly asked a priest if he could serve by cleaning the church on Saturdays, his only free day. The priest simply replied, “Why not?”

Through this, Fr. Jonathan reminded the faithful that many hesitate to give because they feel what they have is too small or insufficient. Others fear committing themselves fully. But for God, what matters is not the size of the offering, but the sincerity of the heart.

He drew from the Gospel, recalling how the disciples were overwhelmed at the thought of feeding a large crowd, estimating the cost to be too great. Yet, what seemed small and insufficient became enough when entrusted to God. In the same way, even the smallest offering—when given wholeheartedly—can be blessed and multiplied.

In the same spirit, Fr. Jonathan encouraged the faithful in their devotion to Jesus Nazareno not to compare themselves with others, but to offer what they can with sincerity and love. “The little that we have may seem insignificant,” he said, “but in the hands of God, it is blessed and multiplied.”

Fr. Jonathan’s appointment comes as he continues his academic journey. He recently completed his Master’s Degree in Counseling at De La Salle University and is preparing to pursue a doctoral degree in the future.

On the same date, he also began his new pastoral assignment at Santisima Trinidad Parish. During the welcome Mass, parish priest Rev. Fr. Carmelo Jek P. Arada, Jr. warmly received him, inviting the community to embrace Fr. Jonathan with love and support. He assured the faithful that the parish would care for him wholeheartedly, helping him continue his mission as a priest of Jesus.

Before his transfer, Fr. Jonathan served for three years and seven months at Quiapo Church, where he played a significant role in parish life. He worked closely with former parish priest Rev. Fr. Jun Sescon and became actively involved in major initiatives, including the annual Traslacion through the Procession and Fiesta Committees. He also oversaw the Liturgical Ministry and the Prayer and Devotion Ministry—both essential in nurturing the spiritual life of the community.

Fr. Jonathan shared that when he was first assigned to Quiapo, he questioned the decision, as his dream had always been to serve quietly and unnoticed, particularly in counseling. Yet his time in Quiapo—known for its vibrant and visible expressions of faith—became a transformative experience.

He admitted that he arrived in Quiapo not as a devotee, but through his years of service, he came to know and love Jesus Nazareno. “I came here not a devotee,” he reflected, “but I leave as one.”

He now carries this devotion with him, committed to sharing it in his new parish and among the seminarians he will accompany, especially as a source of hope for those in need.

Despite his new assignment, Fr. Jonathan will continue to celebrate Mass at Quiapo every Friday, maintaining his connection with the community that helped shape his priestly journey.

April 15, 2026 marked the conclusion of his three years and seven months of service in Quiapo—a period marked by growth, dedication, and meaningful contributions to the parish. Among these was the continued strengthening of Quiapo’s identity as a National Shrine and a center of devotion.

In return, Fr. Jonathan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Quiapo Church community for forming him into a true devotee and for accompanying him throughout his journey.

As he moves forward to this new chapter, the Quiapo community sends him off with gratitude, prayers, and well wishes—thankful for the blessing of having journeyed with him, and confident that he will continue to serve as an instrument of God’s grace wherever he is called.

 

 

 

 

 

Angelyn Garcia | Social Communications