From Negros to Africa

DIOCESE OF KABANKALAN - Rev. Bembolio V. De los Santos of the Society of African Missions (SMA), was ordained last May 14, 2008 by Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, bishop of the diocese of Kabankalan. This sacerdotal ordination at the Our Lady of Snows Church, Himamaylan City, gathered diocesan and religious priests, brothers, sisters and lay people in rejoicing as the diocese provides another missionary to the world. In his homily, the bishop expressed that there is a great need of priests in the diocese for the many works that need to be done. "So, why is it that we are sending a priest to work as a missionary in a far and foreign land?" the bishop asked. He then answered the question by quoting the Gospel of Mark 1:35 which was read earlier. "Later Simon and the others went out to find him. They said, 'Everyone is asking for you.' But he replied, 'We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them too, because that is why I came." The bishop also reminded the candidate as well as the concelebrating priests and assisting deacons that priesthood is not a career but a call to mission and a gift of service. After the Holy Mass, a fellowship lunch followed and at 4:30 that afternoon, Rev. Fr. Bembolio V. De los Santos, SMA, offered his first thanksgiving mass.