“Diakonia”

The Archdiocese of Davao will be gifted with new deacons this coming September 3, 2018. Let us know each of them. Two of the six to be ordained deacons are:

First, Louis Jasper Alfeche of the Immaculate Conception of Mintal is a man of conviction. Having survived a life-threatening condition in his mother’s womb, he started to have a sense of mission at a young age. According to his family, Mama Mary saved his life. This unforgettable episode will always be the rallying point of his mission – that his is apparently a rare case of a clarity of vocation. God set him aside, preserved his life, to one day become a priest.

His seminary years were not seamless as others would believe. As they say, if one starts to become effective, the cross starts to become heavier. Rev. Louis repeatedly mentioned that the most difficult part was the regency program. His regency brought him to work in the parish. He was in fact asked to stay longer in this program. But in the end, he says, the exposure was a very fruitful one. He is grateful for the support of his family and the Blessed Mother.

As he is a step closer to being ordained as a priest, his utmost desire is to be an obedient and responsible deacon – faithful to his vows.

Asked for a preference of apostolate, Rev. Louis desires to be of help to the seminarians especially in their discernment and the various struggles that come in a life of a seminarian – a companion like Jesus and Mary.

Second, John Pelonio of San Pablo is a feature in the parish. He is easily recognizable and he is everywhere. His cheerfulness is a testament of his ease with the several ministries that he is involved with. He somehow manages to blend perfectly in this setting – a textbook case where a priestly vocation is expected to blossom and concluded. Very natural. In short, Rev. John is at home.

Amid the flurry of activities in the parish, the outgoing reverend says, “He’s happy!” Dryness? Weariness? Sure. But there is no stopping, as he puts his trust in the Lord, always focusing towards his calling – the priesthood. However, during his formative years in the seminary, he admittedly did not expect to bear a heavy cross. Trouble within the family proved to be a major challenge, but mercy and the abundance of grace won the day. Truly, as Rev. John puts it, the Lord is always true to His word.

As Rev. John prepares to march to the altar to become one of God’s officers in the army, he fervently prays to be ever faithful to his vows, to continue serving and loving the Lord and His people.

Asked, if given a chance of an apostolate, Rev. John unhesitatingly connected his profession as a nurse to his new mission. In the midst of suffering, oftentimes face to face with death, the sick is assured of this man of God to turn their faces with joy in the comfort of Christ.

And it all began in the parish of San Pablo…