Ordination of Fr. Val Vincent Frias, RCJ to the Sacred Order of Presbyters

Rev. Fr. Val Vincent G. Frias, RCJ was ordained to the Sacred Order of Presbyters last April 10, through the imposition of hands of the Most Rev. Guillermo V. Afable, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Digos, at the Rogationist Academy-Davao Gymnasium.

With the collaboration of the St. John Paul II Sub-Parish, everyone prepared and organized the ordination, following health protocols from the national government. The gymnasium was arranged in a way to follow physical distancing and an open space to prevent the infection and contamination.

During the ordination itself, the bishop and priest and altar servers wore face mask and face shield. The congregation was also limited due to the circumstances, but nonetheless the atmosphere of joy prevailed and made the whole event vibrant.

During the words of gratitude of Fr. Val, he mentioned in Bisaya, a Filipino dialect, if the qualifications of becoming a priest are being pious and morally righteous then no one in front (the clergy) is worthy, however it is by the grace and love of God that a priest is chosen and qualified. He ended by asking prayers for him.

Everyone then proceeded for lunch in an orderly fashion. The following morning, April 11, Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Val celebrated his first Thanksgiving Mass at St. John Paul II Sub Parish, at Inawayan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur at 10:00am. Fr. Danny Montaña delivered the homily.