IN THE DIOCESE
tvc.dsj.org | June 19, 2018
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Deacons Eric Piczon, Francis Kalaw and Edgar
Elamparo during the Ordination Mass. The candidates lay prostrate in the sanctuary during the Ordination Mass at the Cathedral
Basilica of Saint Joseph.
Family members of the three men being
ordained present their chalices and patens.
Newly ordained Father Edgar Elamparo dis-
tributes communion during the ordination
Mass on June 2. During the Ordination Mass, Bishop Patrick J. McGrath imposes his hands on each of the candidates (pictured l-r) Francis Kalaw, Eric Piczon and
Edgar Elamparo).
All photos courtesy of Jen Vazquez
From your parish family at Our Lady of Peace Church
on the Word of the Lord, believe what
you read, teach what you believe, and
put into practice what you teach. In the
celebration of the Eucharist, you will
offer true spiritual food, the Bread of
Life and the Cup of Salvation.
Let the doctrine you teach be true
nourishment for the People of God.
Let the example of your life attract the
followers of Christ so that by word and
action you may build up the House of
God, which is the Church.
When you baptize you will bring
new believers into the People of God.
In the Sacrament of Penance, you will
forgive sins in the name of Christ and
the Church. As Pope Francis pleaded
with the deacons he was ordaining
priests just last month, I also say this to
you: “Please do not tire of being mer-
ciful.” Knowing how much the Lord
forgives you, be always merciful.” Be
always merciful!
In the Anointing of the Sick, you
will encourage and console the sick
and the dying. You will celebrate the
liturgy and offer thanks and praise to
God throughout the day, praying not
only for the People of God but for the
whole of humanity.
Remember that you will never be
alone in your ministry. The Lord –
Whose emissaries you are – will be
with you, as will your pastors and
other priests, religious and lay ministers
whose years of experience and expertise
should never be underestimated. Listen
to them; learn from them; be open to the
different approaches they may bring to
the common work you share. And I ask
them, also, to be open to the possibility
that you, too, may bring no small bit of
wisdom to those efforts.
The Diocese of San Jose has waited
in joy for this day. The parishes to
which you will be sent eagerly antici-
pate your arrival there next month. In
the meantime, your families, friends
and, in particular, the Filipino commu-
nity of San Jose and northern California
will want to make you feel as though
you are conquering heroes. Do not let
this feed your egos.
Remember Whose you are, for it is
His message, His ministry, and His
sacraments that you share.
Finally, to your families – especially
your parents – on behalf of the Church,
I offer my deepest thanks for sharing
your sons and brothers with us. I am
certain that your love for them is re-
flected in their desire to offer loving
service to the Church.
May God bless you all.
Congratulations
Father Eric Piczon
on your priestly ordination!
May God bless and protect you as you serve Him and His
people. Prayers and blessings for your priestly ministry with
best wishes from your parish family.