By Rev. Gideon Wagay’s Ordination Day

Some years ago a young Filipino went abroad to Europe to make his fortune – well not only to make his fortune but to help his family. He went through many countries and trials and all sorts of jobs (even a bounces in a night club). He ended in London where he met the Columban Fathers who were trying to help the overseas Filipinos. There in London he decided to become a priest.

Another ardous journey! But that journey ended for Gideon Wagay when he was ordained by Cardinal Hume. He tells his story in this issue and his plans to serve the DIASPORA FILIPINO.

First Filipino

Saturday, March 5, 1994 was a truly great day to be FILIPINO in LONDON!  And it was a ‘first’ . The beautiful Church of Our Lady of Victories in Kensington was packed to overflowing for the priestly Ordination of DEACON GIDEON WAGAY – the first from the Filipino migrant community in Britain to be ordained for the Archdiocese of Westminster.

Solemn Ceremony

From start to finish it was a deeply moving ceremony. The Ordaining Prelate  was Cardinal Basil Hume, and in the solemn entrance procession thirty five priests with five of Gideon’s fellow-deacons preceded him to the altar to concelebrate with the Cardinal.

Special Pinoy Energy

And for the people who couldn’t get a seat, they stood patiently for two hours at the back of the church or pressed up along the side aisles, right up to the sanctuary. The atmosphere was alive, charged with that special blend of Pinoy energy for celebrating Life! Everyone was caught up in the action around the  altar as Gideon offered himself to serve the People of God as a priest in one of the largest cities in the world: cosmopolitan, complex London, representing many faiths, many cultures, many ethnic communities.

Spoke From the Heart

Born in Davao of Ilocano parents, Gideon in the early 70s came from Manila to work in a variety of jobs – first for a short while in Germany and later in England. So when at the end of the ceremony Gideon addressed the congregation and his kababayan (fellow Filipinos) in particular, he spoke to them from his heart and his words touched everyone present.

Rare Rite

The Ordination rite itself is a simple and magnificent ceremony, and in the past, since ordination took place in rather remote seminaries, few Catholics ever got a chance to attend one.

Public Acceptance

First Gideon had to be officially presented as a Candidate and had to declare formally his intention to undertake the priestly office. Gideon was publicly accepted by the Cardinal at the Consent of the People.

A Good Shepherd

At this point the Cardinal gave his homily: its theme was the GOOD SHEPHERD (John 10:14-15). The model for the priest, he said, is Jesus the Good Shepherd and “the priest should be one who knows how to love” – who is open to the power of God’s Spirit, speaking the word that comforts and upholds. The Cardinal prayed that Gideon would always “experience our love, support and prayers – and may his ministry be fruitful”.

You Could Feel the Prayer

The next step was the ritual examination and Gideon undertook the promise of obedience: he knelt before the Cardinal and placed his hands within the cardinal’s hands.  You could feel the prayer with  and for him intensify while Gideon prostrated himself on the ground. The Litany of the Saints was sun by the Choir and the People in a rhythmic African chant to the accomplishment of the bongo drum, an echo of the multi-cultural Church community Gideon was now being called on to serve.

We Didn’t Notice the Noises

The laying-on of hands, the central act of ordination, followed. All eyes were on Gideon. The whirr and clicking of the cameras went unnoticed. Only much later, when trying out the Video of the Ordination at the Medy Yambao’s home, did we even hear them.

He Took the Chalice!

In silence the Cardinal laid his hands on Gideon’s head and all the concelebrating priests did the same. The Cardinal said the Prayer  of Consecration and Gideon, in readiness for his First Mass, was vested with stole and chasuble; his hands were anointed with oil chrism, and lastly the Cardinal presented him with the Chalice and Paten. Now warmly welcomed by his brother priests, all people broke out in spontaneous and happy applause. And the Mass proceeded.

God’s unspeakable Love

During the distribution of Holy Communion our PANSAPI Choir, excellently trained and conducted by Mrs. Florie Rivera, sang the hauntingly beautiful Meditation Song: “Hindi Kita Malilimutan” – a moment to cherish, a reminder of God’s loving and constant faithfulness.

Before the Cardinal gave the final blessing Gideon had the opportunity for a personal word of thanks. He began with the Tagalog proverb:

“Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.” (“One who does not know how to look back can never go forward.”)
Gideon wanted to look back and thank God for all the people  God had given him to accompany him in his journey to this day – as well as all who had come from far and near to support him with their presence and prayer.

Filipino Hospitality

Afterwards at the reception – and again next day at the First Mass and First Blessing  non-Filipinos present were deeply impressed by the solidarity and support shown Gideon by his kababayan. Parishioners accustomed to an impersonal, urbanized society marveled at the spirit of the open hospitality offered, its magnificent organization, and the collaboration of the various committees in welcoming and entertaining the guests. In all, there were three celebrating parishes where Gideon has been serving: Kensington, White city and Hounslow. As we queued up at the tables laden with food and Filipino delicacies, I heard people say, “So this is what it is to be a Christian community.” It was an echo from the Church of the first century and it was good to hear it repeated again at the Gideon’s Ordination in London ’94:
“See these (Filipino) Christians, how they love one another.”

For sure, Church vocations of all kinds will continue to grow and flourish wherever Filipino communities take root. Awa ng Diyos. Please God.