28/05/2026
On Saturday, James Santos, SJ will be ordained to the priesthood together with Dom Bulan, SJ and Bien Cruz, SJ in a joyful celebration of Godβs faithfulness and the continuing mission of the Society of Jesus.
As part of the ordination celebration, the image of Our Lady of Hope of Palo will be solemnly enthroned at the Church of the Gesu in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Hope. The image was especially chosen as a tribute to the late Mr. and Mrs. Augusto and Elizabeth Santos, the parents of Rev. James, whose lives were among the many lost during the devastation brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
In the midst of tragedy and grief, the devotion to Our Lady of Hope of Palo became a powerful sign of faith and resilience for the people of Leyte. Her image continues to remind many that even after immense loss, God remains present through the quiet strength, compassion, and hope that arise from communities who continue to rebuild and heal.
For Rev. James, this Marian enthronement carries a deeply personal meaning. It is both an offering of gratitude and a remembrance of his parents, whose lives and witness helped shape his vocation. Their memory now becomes part of this sacred moment of ordinationβa reminder that vocations are often born not only from joy, but also from suffering transformed by grace.
As the Church celebrates these new Jesuit priests, the image of Our Lady of Hope stands as a gentle invitation to all young people to trust that God continues to call men and women to serve, heal, and accompany others, especially in moments when hope seems difficult to find. In Mary, the Church sees a mother who remains beside her children through every storm, always leading them closer to Christ.
