A GRACE-FILLED DAY WITH FOUR ORDAINED TO THE PRIESTHOOD
by Ma. Ofelia Soto Silva
As early as half past six in the morning of March 19, 2013 (the feast of St. Joseph), the Oblate
Provincial House was excitedly abuzz with Oblates, guests, and staff preparing to make the 2-hour land
travel in different vehicles from Cotabato City to the Sto. Niño Parish Church, in Midsayap, Cotabato. The
day marked the sacerdotal ordination of Fr. Michael Matt T. Bertis, OMI, Fr. Marjeo Ll. Delfin, OMI, Fr.
Danilo S. Pacate, OMI, and Fr. Mark F. Pagente, OMI.
The Provincial House Staff enjoyed the cool air which pervaded in the air-conditioned car of a
generous colleague as the drizzle slowly turned into a heavy downpour upon reaching Pigcawayan but,
this did not affect the prevailing mood of excitement since the rain was perceived as a blessing. Much as
the way Thomas A. Richards, Ph.D., Psychologist chose to believe that “Rain is invigorating, soothing,
energizing, and sets the cycle of growth in motion. Nothing good can happen without the
rain.”(www.anxietynetwork.com)
A dash to the parish convento was made upon reaching the Sto. Niño Parish Church; seeking
refuge from the rain and a pick at the breakfast-laden tables which were caringly prepared while some
Oblates hurriedly took quick bites and snatched conversations with their confreres. Mindful of the
scheduled Ordination Mass, scurried steps were made towards the Church even as the heavy drizzle
continued to fall. Upon the commencement of the Holy Mass, the rain slowly abated and the weather
turned sunny.
It was a memorable occasion to see over thirty (30) Oblate Fathers joining the processional
entrance with Rev. Fr. Angelito Lampon, O.M.I., D.D., Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo, ordaining
prelate; at the same time guests and parishioners, steadily filled the Church despite the rain.
In his homily, Bishop Lampon drew a parallelism between the priestly ministry and St. Joseph’s
virtue of humility. He also pointed out the Oblate charism of evangelizing the poor even in the most
difficult or fearful missionary areas like Sulu and Tawi-Tawi because the Oblates having been recognized
as “Specialists of Difficult Missions” believe that the mission of the Church is greater than fear for one’s
life. This message harked back to the spirituality of the Oblate Founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod, O.M.I. in
the following note: “... I shall live in such a way that my example will speak far more eloquently than my
words and suggestions. To that end, I shall try with God’s help to keep myself renewed in the spirit of the
priesthood.” (Vie Oblate Life, December 1982, p. 203)
The ordination rite drew attention to the solemn undertone of priesthood as the ordinands laid
themselves prostrate before the altar; a humble acceptance of their unworthiness and dependence upon
the grace of God and prayers of the entire Christian community while the Litany of the Saints was
angelically sung in Latin.
When the Holy Mass was concluded, relatives, friends and parishioners eagerly streamed
towards the aisle for the grace bestowed by the imposition of the hands of the newly ordained priests.
Afterwards, the crowd gathered for lunch at three (3) separate venues in joyful celebration with the
Oblates, aware of the special grace which was recently imparted.
For the Founder, St. Eugene de Mazenod, the imposition of the hands is not a mere formality. He
regarded the ordination of priests as an “occasion to express his sublime vision of this ministry and action
of the Holy Spirit in his soul and in those for whom he performs his ministry” (Vie Oblate Life, December
1982, p. 209):
The priest on whom I have laid my hands . . . must, as it were, live of my life, as I
desire the life of Jesus Christ, who is the first principle of all spiritual fatherhood.
Each time I exercise these functions, it appears to me that our Lord Jesus Christ is
within me, and that a divine virtue goes forth as from an adorable Person and is
communicated by the imposition of my hands.
The newly-ordained priests will begin their sacerdotal assignment as announced by the OMI
Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province, Rev. Larry de Guia, OMI in the following
apostolate/mission:
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Parochial Vicar, San Miguel Parish, Gapok, Sultam Kudarat: Fr. Michael Matt R. Bertis, OMI
Campus Ministry, Notre Dame of Midsayap College, Midsayap, N. Cotabato: Fr. Marjeo Ll. Delfin, OMI
Parochial Vicar, Birhen ng Lourdes, Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City: Fr. Danilo S. Pacate, OMI
Parochail Vicar, Sto. Nino Parish, Midsayap, North Cotabato: Fr. Mark F. Pagente, OMI
Thereupon, may the outpouring of grace of the Holy Spirit continue to dwell in the newly-ordained
Oblates as men of mission and dialogue and in the faith-practice of the Christian community present
therein.