By Chona A. Pintor
May 31, 2025 – Ligao City, Albay
The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, marked a significant milestone in the lives of three devoted servants of God. The ordination ceremony highlighted Rev. Francis Xavier Nguyen, O.R.C., a Vietnamese priest from Thanh Son Parish, Xuan Loc Diocese, Dong Nai Province, Viet Nam, Rev. John Berchmans Perillo Embudo, O.R.C., of St. Stephen the Protomartyr Parish and a native of Mahaba, Ligao City, Albay, and Rev. John Bosco Comora Jaucian, O.R.C., also of St. Stephen the Protomartyr Parish and a native of Dunao, Ligao City, as they were ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood. They are graduates in Theology from Institutum Sapientiae, Holy Cross Monastery in Miranápolis, Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil. The laying of hands was performed by Most Rev. Joel Z. Baylon, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi.
The ceremony was a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration and Ordination to the Priesthood, marking an important milestone in the lives of the new priests. The ceremony was held at St. Stephen the Protomartyr Parish in Ligao City. This ordination ceremony marked the beginning of their journey as priests, dedicated to spreading the Word of God and serving the faithful.
In his homily, Bishop Joel Z. Baylon reflected on the significance of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke (1:39-56). He noted that Mary, after receiving the wonderful news from the angel Gabriel, couldn’t contain the good news to herself and decided to share it with her cousin Elizabeth. Bishop Baylon emphasized that just as Mary shared the good news with Elizabeth, the ordination of the new priests is also wonderful news that deserves to be celebrated. He encouraged the new priests to emulate Mary’s humility, willingness to serve, and trust in God’s guidance. He also reflected on the Gospel passage where Jesus asks Simon Peter three times, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17), noting that Jesus uses the word “agapas” (Agape love) but Peter responds with “philo” (love of a friend). Bishop Baylon encouraged the new priests to love God with the love that they can offer, which may not be perfect but must be full, certain, and for life. Bishop Baylon concluded by encouraging the new priests to empty themselves so that God’s love may fill them and make them worthy of His priesthood.
The ordination ceremony was attended by 19 concelebrating bishops and priests, including Most Rev. Leopoldo Jaucian, SVD, D.D., Bishop of Bangued, Abra, Rev. Sisters from their congregation, Parish Pastoral Councils, Different religious organizations, parents, relatives, benefactors, and friends of the new priests.
The newly ordained priests expressed their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Bishop Joel Z. Baylon, Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, the 17 concelebrating priests, the Rev. Sisters, the Seminarians, the O.R.C. community, the St. Stephen the Protomartyr Parish family, especially Rev. Fr. Paulo B. Barandon, Parish Priest, and the different ministries of the parish, for their warm hospitality and support during their stay, their families, friends, benefactors, and all those who have supported and prayed for them throughout their journey. They thanked everyone for their love, guidance, and unwavering support, which have helped shape them into the priests they are today.
While ordination marks a significant milestone, it’s essential to note that priestly formation is a lifelong journey. Congratulations to Rev. Francis Xavier Nguyen, O.R.C., Rev. John Berchmans Perillo Embudo, O.R.C., and Rev. John Bosco Comora Jaucian, O.R.C. on their ordination to the Sacred Order of Priesthood.
