08/04/2026
๐ก๐ฒ๐๐น๐ ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ด๐ป๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐, ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐๐๐ฟ๐
Newly ordained priests of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa are set to begin their first pastoral assignments on May 1, approaching their ministries with a mix of hope, humility, and awareness of the demands of priestly life.
The assignments were announced following the March 25 presbyteral ordination presided over by Bishop Socrates Mesiona, MSP, who earlier described the rare ordination of five priests as a โsign of hopeโ for the local Church.
Rev. Fr. John Michael Cornel, assigned as parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish in Quezon and assistant director of its parish school, said he sees his first assignment as an opportunity for continued formation.
โAs a newly ordained priest, I recognize that I still have much to learn in order to be fully equipped for the mission entrusted to me,โ Fr. Cornel said.
He added that he looks forward to engaging with the community he will serve. โOne thing I am most looking forward to is learning from the people I will meet and work with, both in the parish and in the school,โ he said.
Cornel emphasized that priestly formation extends beyond seminary training. โFormation does not end in the seminaryโs four corners; rather, it is a lifelong commitment to grow in knowledge, skills, and pastoral wisdom,โ he said.
At the same time, he acknowledged the challenges that come with his new role, particularly in balancing responsibilities. โOne challenge I anticipate is adjusting to the full responsibility of pastoral ministry, particularly in balancing the demands of priestly life while remaining faithful and present to the people I serve,โ Cornel said. He added that he hopes โto always set aside personal preferencesโ in order to fully commit to his duties.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Samuel Bacosa, who has been appointed assistant chancellor, highlighted the importance of presence in priestly ministry amid its many demands.
โNauunawaan kong maraming demands sa ministry ng isang pari,โ Bacosa said. โHabang isa-isa kong tinutugunan ang mga iyon, mahalaga pala talagang naibibigay ang sarili sa bawat pagtugon: yung tinatawag na living the present, savoring the moment.โ
He noted that while the work can be tiring, it remains meaningful. โNakakakapagod man minsan, ayos lang kung para din naman sa Panginoon,โ he added.
Other newly ordained priests and their assignments include Rev. Fr. Melvin Advincula as parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish, Rev. Fr. Leo Latube as parochial vicar of San Pedro Apostol Parish and assistant finance officer of the Seminario de San Jose โ High School Department, and Rev. Fr. John Marren Cuasay as parochial vicar of St. Joseph the Husband of Mary Parish - Narra.
Bishop Mesiona urged the faithful to continue praying for priestly vocations, as the number of seminarians remains a concern. (K. Santos)
