On July 15, 2019, the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines joyfully celebrated the Feast of St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio with the priestly ordination of Friar Lorenzo Maria AVELINO.
Friar Lorenzo hails from the town of Cardona in the province of Rizal. He entered the Order in 2000, professed his simple vows in 2011 and his final vows in 2016.
The ordination ceremony took place at the parish church of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Novaliches, Quezon City. The church is administered by the friars of the Immaculata friary, of which Friar Lorenzo is a member de familia. The ordaining prelate was the Most Reverend Broderick PABILLO, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila. In his homily, Bishop PABILLO emphasized that ordination is not only a high point in the life of Friar Lorenzo, but it is also a high point for the whole Order as it adds another friar-priest among its members. The bishop also talked about the responsibilities of a priest, which include doctrinal teaching, being an agent of communion, praying for, and on behalf of God’s people, and setting good example for the faithful.
Those attending the ceremony included eighteen priests, some from the Custody and others from different religious congregations and nearby dioceses. There were also some young men in formation and a good number of faithful.
Custodial Communications Office
Photos: Alexander Amora JUNI