On January 26, 2026, the Augustinians of the Assumption in the Philippines gathered in profound joy to celebrate the diaconal and priestly ordination of their brothers, Nguyen Quon Son Joseph and Ariel Balde Vidanes. The sacred ceremony took place at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, where Bishop Honesto Ongtioco laid his hands upon the candidates in a rite of ancient tradition and deep spiritual significance. This milestone was witnessed by a diverse assembly, including members of the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption, lay members of the Alliance, and the families and friends of the ordinands, all of whom came together to support the men in their new roles within the Church.
During the celebration, the atmosphere shifted from solemnity to deep reflection as the bishop delivered a homily that challenged the conventional understanding of religious calling. He directed a poignant question toward Joseph and Ariel, asking them to consider why God had chosen them for this path, while extending the same inquiry to the priests and bishops in attendance. In a moment of startling humility and wit, the bishop answered his own question by suggesting that God chooses the unlikely precisely because they are not the obvious choices of the world. “Do you know why God chose you?” he remarked, “Because no one else would choose you. Even among all the men in the world, you would not be chosen. That is why God chose you. Wala nang iba na pipili sa inyo.“
Building upon this theme of divine selection, the bishop’s exhortation served as a firm reminder that the ordained ministry is not a career path, a successful job, or a quest for popularity. He emphasized that the call to serve comes from a place of radical mercy, noting that God looks upon human fragility and claims it as His own. By saying, “Kawawa naman, kukunin ko na,” the bishop highlighted that God sees the wounds, weaknesses, and marks of sin in His servants and chooses them anyway. He explained that it is through this very fragility that divine mercy shines most brightly; in human wounds, grace is revealed, and even in perceived ugliness, the beauty of the Creator is made manifest.
In a final, cautionary word to the new deacon and priest, the bishop warned that being “too good” or “too brilliant” could actually hinder their mission. He suggested that if a minister becomes too admirable in his own right, he risks becoming an obstacle to the light of the Lord, potentially acting as a “master” with a small “m” rather than a true disciple. This call to remain small so that God may remain great set a contemplative tone for the remainder of the liturgy. Following the Mass, the community transitioned to a fraternal meal, marking a moment of shared celebration for the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption as they officially welcomed Joseph and Ariel into their new ministries of service.
