Diaconate Ordination of Elbert Balbastro and Jerry Lohera

In the morning of the same day, both Elbert and Jerry became permanent members of the Missionary Society of St. Columban. Congratulations!  As we welcome them with joy and thanksgiving, we also continue to pray for them in the next stage of their missionary journey.

Diaconate Ordination of Elbert Balbastro and Jerry Lohera

 

On a bright Sunday afternoon at 4:00 pm on June 27, 2021 Columban seminarians, Elbert Balbastro (Oton, Iloilo) and Jerry Lohera (Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental), were ordained as deacons by the Most Reverend Honesto Ongtioco, DD, Bishop of Cubao. The Holy Mass was held at the Columban House of Studies in Cubao, Quezon City. It was a solemn celebration. Due to the restrictions in physical gatherings brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic, only a few were allowed to attend the celebration physically- the Columban students, Fr Paul Glynn (Regional Director), Fr Finbar Maxwell (Rector), Fr Cireneo Matulac (Vice-Rector), Fr Kwon Taemoon (Spiritual Year Director), Fr Ji Kwangkyu, Fr Rolando Aniscal (Vocation Coordinator), and John Din, a Columban lay missionary who livestreamed the celebration. The families of Elbert & Jerry, their relatives, friends, other Columban missionaries, Columban staff, mission partners, supporters & benefactors joined the celebration virtually either through zoom or facebook.

In the morning of the same day, both Elbert and Jerry became permanent members of the Missionary Society of St. Columban. Congratulations!  As we welcome them with joy and thanksgiving, we also continue to pray for them in the next stage of their missionary journey.

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide Elbert and Jerry.

The newly ordained deacons, Jerry Lohera and Elbert Balbastro.

 

… at Mass

 

Jerry and Elbert laid prostrate while the Liturgy of Supplication was sung by the Columban students

 

Elbert receiving the Book of Gospels from Bishop Honesto Ongtioco

 

(L-R) Fr Finbar Maxwell, Jerry Lohera, Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, Elbert Balbastro and Fr Paul Glynn

 

The newly ordained deacons with Bishop Honesto Ongtioco and the Columban priests

 

The newly ordained deacons with the Columban students, Bp Honesto Ongtioco and the Columban priests

 

Celebrating after the Mass with Fr Paul Glynn, Regional Director (L) and Fr Finbar Maxwell, Rector (2nd from right)