Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma ordains 13 deacons at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. (CDN PHOTO/SAMMY DAVAJA)
Since childhood, it was Jonathan Rubin’s dream to become a priest.
“I want to serve God and I believe this is really my calling”, he said.
Rubin was one of 13 seminarians ordained as deacons by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral last month.
Ordination is a crucial step for a seminarian’s journey toward the priesthood and is the first of three parts of the Sacrament of the Holy Orders.
During the ceremony, the Archbishop reminded them to serve and not be served by the people.
“The fact that they are ordained on the feast of the Holy Innocents is also a reminder that in the Church there are also those who suffer. We should also try to serve these people who are marginalized,” Palma said.
As deacons, Rubin and the others are tasked to assist priests, bishops and cardinals in the distribution of the Holy Communion and proclamation of the Gospel.
They are also allowed to preside over baptismal rites and deliver homilies.
“Nalipay gyud ko human sa 10 ka tuig nga pag-eskwela, naka human gyud. Grasya gyud ni sa Ginoo (I am really happy because after years of studying, I was able to finish. This is a blessing from God),” Rubin said.
His family in Medellin town, north Cebu was among those hit by supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013.
“The greatest challenge especially when I was in the seminary was my family. There were times that we have events that require the presence of both parents,” said Rubin, who came from a broken family.
Rubin said he’s still thankful for his parents’ continued support and other blessings, including his benefactor whose support allowed him to continue his studies.
“I vowed to fulfill the promise that I made in front of the altar and that is to serve,” Rubin said.
Rubin currently serves as a media relations officer for the coming 51st International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu.
He also anchors a TV program promoting the IEC on the Cebu Catholic Television Network (CCTN).
“I don’t receive a salary for my programs. I am doing this to serve God”, Rubin said.
Rubin was ordained along with Arnel Autida, Teodoro Baruc, Dave Christopher Cantillas, Renato Destacamento, Severino Escobido, Kent Dahrel Galo, Erik Orio, Arnel Ponce, Giuseppe Pongase, Melchor Rizon, Florido Rosales and Junrey Siman.