By Annabelle Badilla

Everyone was quiet and solemn watching the young priest lie face-down on the floor while the choir was singing the litany of the saints. Then afterwards all the priests present laid their hands on Ricci’s head, passing on to him the power of priesthood.

Ricci Reymond Pajarillo spent 11 years in the Columban Seminary two of which were spent in China for his Overseas Training Program. Then he came back to the Philippines for his ordination. On June 10 the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental was packed with parishioners, well-wishers, relatives and friends of Ricci as he gave his life to God. Columban Fathers from different parts of the country and from China and Ireland and diocesan priests arrived to take part in this unique moment. The ceremony started at 10 am. Bishop Camilo Gregorio ordained Ricci priest.

It was a very touching moment when Ricci approached his mother to give a sign of peace and embraced her with a love an only child can give. Ricci just managed to hold back his tears while his mother failed to hold back hers. It is surely difficult for a mother to let go of her only child but she had to. Ricci is being called by the Lord to “go and teach all nations the Good News.”

Fr. Colm McKeating, Regional Director of the Columban Fathers, sealed the whole activity by thanking Ricci’s parents for “the gift of Ricci” and expressing his gratitude to the parish priest Ernesto Majellano and people of Pulupandan who beautifully prepared everything for Ricci’s ordination.

Ricci’s mother who is a well-known photographer in Pulupandan and who never misses to cover any occasion did not hold a camera this time - against her will. Her friends guarded her all throughout the ceremony. Nevertheless during the entire ceremony cameras flashed her and there proving how important the occasion was to everyone. However, a photographer is a photographer. During the recessional march, Ricci’s mother managed to get hold of her camera and took a shot of the remaining part of the ceremony.

Cries of delight filled the church when Ricci invited everyone to a lunch prepared just beside the church, which turned out to be a real feast! Who would not rejoice over a promising young man dedicating himself to God forever?