Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma pledged both spiritual and material support for clergymen as he led his first ordination rites as leader of the Cebu Archdiocese yesterday.
He said the 11 deacons whom he elevated to the priesthood in three-hour rites at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral yesterday “should spend more time with God to strengthen their relationship with him.”
Palma reminded the new priests in his homily to heed their calling from Jesus Christ and avoid temptation.
He also announced that the archdiocese will set aside health, retirement and other benefits for its 365 priests in the amount of P4 million.
The cathedral was filled with friends and family of the ordinands.
The ordinands’ hands were blessed with holy oil to strengthen them in their ministry. Palma laid his hands on their heads, invoking the Holy Spirit.
More than 100 priests also laid their hands on the newly ordained, who later prostrated themselves as the congregation sang the Litany of the Saints.
Family members clothed the ordinands with their priestly vestments.
“The feeling is overwhelming and unexplainable,” said new priest Eugene dela Corte. He said becoming a priest to serve Jesus Christ’s flock is a childhood dream come true.
Dela Corte was ordained together with priests Daniel Daculan, Jerome Escarro, Lydio Felizarta, Ruel Marigomen, Daniel Mata, Bonnin Olivar, Joel Oriesga, Richard Rama, Nilo Sabellon and Kevin Trazo.
Meanwhile, Palma will leave for the Vatican on June 26 to receive from Pope Benedict XVI his “pallium.”
The pallium is a strip of wool with crosses embroidered on it. It is worn around the neck by metropolitan archbishops to symbolize their unity with the pope.