On the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Clerics Haileth Gem Joseph J. Enarsao, SSP, and Mark Anthony G. Puyong, SSP, dedicated themselves to the service of the Lord and His people as they were ordained deacons by Most Rev. Ruperto C. Santos, D.D., Bishop of Antipolo. The ordination took place during the 5:00 PM Eucharistic celebration at the Sanctuary of St. Paul in Makati City.
Concelebrating with the bishop were numerous SSP priests, joined by four deacons who are classmates of the ordinands. Also present were the families, friends, benefactors of the ordinands, and members of the Pauline Family.
In his homily, Bishop Ruperto highlighted the figure of the Founder, Blessed James Alberione, presenting him as a model for the new deacons. He reminded the ordinands of two essential principles they must both preach and live by. First, they must care for their souls, never neglecting their prayer life. As St. Paul VI affirmed, the Founder was “always recollected, his thoughts running from prayer to work.” Second, they must remember the Founder’s words: “You are created to love”—a love manifested in service to all. Bishop Ruperto emphasized that Jesus set the example, coming not to be served but to serve.
In his message to the new deacons, Superior General Fr. Domenico Soliman, SSP, reflected on Mary at the Annunciation, noting how she listened and placed herself at the service of God’s Word. “Only in receiving the Word do we allow Jesus to be born and live in us, and together with Him, to serve the world,” he said. The Superior General added: “To serve is love dressed in work, and it is the style of Jesus. To serve is first a way of thinking, a mentality that produces concrete actions of fraternity and sharing. In this perspective, our mission—to witness the Gospel in the culture of communication—also becomes a service to humanity.”
On behalf of both ordinands, Rev. Mark expressed gratitude to all who supported them through the years of formation, accompanying them through the highs and lows of the journey. He especially thanked their families, friends, and those who prepared the celebration, and expressed appreciation to Bishop Ruperto for his availability as the ordaining prelate.
After a series of photographs, the assembly proceeded to Alberione Hall for the evening reception.
Both Rev. Gem and Rev. Mark hail from Igbaras, Iloilo. They studied at St. Paul Seminary in Silang and graduated from the San Carlos Graduate School of Theology. Currently, both are involved in Creative Editorial and Audiovisuals.
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