CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma urged priests and religious persons to continue to sympathize with their communities despite the risk of persecution.
Palma made the comment following the murder of Fr. Marcelito “Tito” Paez in Nueva Ecija last Monday.
Paez, 72, was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding men as he was driving to Barangay Lambakin in Jaen town.
Archbishop Palma gave the reminder as he was about to ordain 10 seminarians as deacons at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral yesterday.
Palma said there are priests and bishops who are very vocal against certain programs by the government and non-government entities that allegedly trample on the rights of others.
There are some clergymen who have lost their lives because of their cause to help affected communities, Palma said.
The 64-year-old prelate urged old and young priests who have their own personal causes to continue fighting for truth and justice, even it means sacrificing their lives for others.
In his homily during the ordination ceremony, Palma urged the 10 new deacons to not “aspire to be lords and masters” but servants of the community.
“We shouldn’t become priests just to seek honor or prestige but out of service,” Palma added.
The 10 seminarians who were ordained as deacons yesterday were Ignatius Arsolon, Alden John Baran, Gabriel Belino, Mel John Coraraton, Arnel Dionaldo, Richfield Vincent Hernando, Francis Manugas, Jerald Pinay, Jeffmonray Romarate and Eddie Boy Vega.
Only Arsolon and Belino are from the Society of the Angel of Peace (SAP) in Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City. The others are from the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos in Cebu City.
The diaconate is one of three holy orders in the Catholic Church, along with presbyterate and episcopate.
Following their ordination to the diaconate, the 10 new deacons will serve the archdiocese in different roles in parishes where they will be assigned.
While they are not allowed to preside over mass, deacons are allowed to conduct other priestly roles, such as proclaiming the Gospel and becoming an ordinary minister during communion and baptism.