CS MANILA: Witnessing the Sacred Ordination of Four Scalabrinian Brothers in Manila, Philippines

On March 1, 2025, the Scalabrinian community in Manila witnessed a sacred and momentous event as four brothers were ordained as deacons. The ceremony took place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Cubao, with His Excellency Antonio R. Tobias, D.D., Bishop-Emeritus of Novaliches, presiding over the ordination.

The newly ordained deacons are Reverend Nguyen Van Chuong, CS, Reverend Vu Ngoc Khanh, CS, Reverend To Van Binh, CS, all from Vietnam, and Reverend Eduardo L. Preciado, CS, from Mexico. The ordination ceremony was a significant event, drawing over 300 attendees, including members of the Scalabrinian family, friends, fellow congregations, and acquaintances from their apostolate.

In his homily, Bishop Tobias emphasized the profound meaning of the diaconate, highlighting that deacons are called to a life of service and ministry. He remarked, "Today, the Church is gifted with the ordination of these deacons, a gift from God to the Church. The ministry in the Church is about dying to oneself, forgetting oneself……Let us pray for them and their ministry".

The venue for the ceremony was in the Immaculate Conception Cathedral School, located just 200 meters from the cathedral. The open and accessible location provided an ideal setting for the large gathering. The attendees moved to the school's covered court for a celebratory reception.

The reception was a vibrant and joyous occasion, where the Scalabrinian family and guests came together to celebrate the ordination of the new deacons. The event featured traditional dances and songs performed by various congregations, adding a cultural and festive atmosphere to the celebration. It was a time for fellowship, reflection, and gratitude for the newly ordained deacons and their ministry.

SFCP Media Office