CS MANILA: 136th Anniversary of Foundation Day and Diaconate Ordination of Rev. Dexter Ignacio, CS

Quezon City, Philippines, November 28, 2023.

The Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Charles -Scalabrinians celebrated their 136th Foundation Day together with the ordination of Rev. Dexter Valeroso Ignacio, CS to the Order of Deacons. The ordination Mass was officiated by the Most Reverend Ruperto Santos, DD, the bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo at Santo Niño de Violago Quasi Parish off E. Rodriguez Boulevard in Quezon City. The Mass began at 3:00 PM local time and was attended by about 150 persons composed of 10 Scalabrinian priests in the Manila area along with the Scalabrinian seminarians from the two formation houses in New Manila, the representatives of the immediate family of Rev. Dexter, his friends, some of the neighbors as well as other guests from some religious communities in the area.

Bishop Santos underlined the duties of a deacon in his homily. He said that in the post-pandemic world, the ordained ministers have to be seen, heard and able to be touched by the people that they serve, very much after the example of St. Charles Borromeo during his time as well as the example of St. John Baptist Scalabrini. The 13th Street Children's Choir led the people in the singing during the ordination Mass.

The Mass was followed by dinner and a program at the STHS compound along 13th Street, Damayang Lagi. Different presentations and short speeches were contributed by different groups to entertain the guests in thanksgiving for the ordination of Rev. Dexter as well as the 136th Foundation Day of the Scalabrinians.

SFCP Media Office