GRACEFUL ORDINATION: Rev. Fr. Ivan Euleses V. Obeal, OSJ, Ordained to Sacred Priesthood

In a moving and grace-filled celebration held on the Solemnity of Saint John the Baptist, Rev. Fr. Ivan Euleses V. Obeal, OSJ, was ordained to the sacred priesthood on June 24, 2025, at the Santuario de San Jose Parish in Greenhills East Village, Mandaluyong City. The ordination rites began at 10:00 in the morning and gathered a multitude of family, friends, and faithful, many of whom traveled great distances to witness this significant event.

Fr. Ivan was ordained together with two of his OSJ brothers, Rev. Fr. Kenneth G. Bautista, OSJ, and Rev. Fr. Jim Brent Lacdao, OSJ, in a solemn liturgy that overflowed with joy, reverence, and thanksgiving. Almost all priests of the Oblates of Saint Joseph (OSJ) were present, manifesting their fraternal support and celebrating the gift of new shepherds in the congregation.

Among those who witnessed the ordination were members of the Parish Pastoral Council of San Francisco de Asis Parish Tagakpan, Davao City-Fr. Ivan’s home parish. Mrs. Jean C. Odoy, the parish GKK Coordinator, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Ang ordinasyon usa gyud ka mapanalanginon nga okasyon, dili lang para sa pamilya sa bag-ong giordinahan nga mga pari, apan apil usab kami nga mga parokyano sa Tagakpan. Usa kini ka grasya nga among gikahimamat.”

A deeply touching highlight of the ceremony was when Rev. Fr. Mario B. Holmina, OSJ, parish priest of SFDA Tagakpan, together with Rev. Fr. Edmar Olaivar, had the special honor of vesting Fr. Ivan in his priestly garments for the very first time. It was a gesture both symbolic and emotional for their shared journey in faith.

As the ordination rites concluded in the morning, many faithful lined up to kiss the hands of the newly ordained priests a long-standing tradition that honors the sacred blessing conferred upon them. Fr. Ivan’s family was overwhelmed with gratitude for the Lord’s unfailing grace that sustained and carried him to this holy calling.

In the afternoon, at exactly 2:00 PM, Rev. Fr. Ivan celebrated his first Mass as an ordained priest at the side chapel of Santuario de San Jose Parish. The intimate celebration was made even more special with the presence of his family, friends, and the faithful from Tagakpan, who filled the chapel with tears of joy and prayers of thanksgiving. It was a profound and humbling moment, marking the beginning of his ministry at the altar of Christ.

Rev. Fr. Ivan Euleses V. Obeal, OSJ, now stands as the second priestly vocation to emerge from San Francisco de Asis Parish, following the ordination of Rev. Fr. Ryan Mullon, OSJ, in 2017. His journey from Tagakpan to the altar is a testimony of God’s enduring faithfulness and a source of inspiration for the youth of his parish community.

Indeed, June 24, 2025, will be remembered as a day of grace, fulfillment, and new beginnings — not only for Fr. Ivan and his fellow ordinands, but for all who were touched by the beauty of their “yes” to God. (Jeffren P. Miguel | Photos: Chinggoy Futol)