[Chavacano] Lleno kita de alegría , affecion y bendición este día! Este año ta celebra kita el Jubileo de Esperanza. Tadale kita gracias na di aton Señor cay el di aton amigo y hermano, Padre Guillrey Anthony Mallari Andal o si Padre Ernald, ay entrega y ofrece su vida completamente na Dios y na misión del Compania de Jesús . Este dia hende lang uncelebración para con ele, su familia, amigos y amigas, pero para todo con el Iglesia Universal. ¡Gracias a Dios y La Virgen Maria por este gracia!
On this Jubilee Year of Hope, we gather to witness a most joyous celebration—not only for Fr Ernald, his family, his friends, and the Jesuits—but also for our Mother Church. We are so honored to have with us our beloved Zamboanga Abp Julius Tonel. Today, the Society of Jesus confirms that Fr Ernald is no longer in a probationary period; today, the Society fully embraces and incorporates him as one of its own.
Some of us grapple with the meaning of Jesuit final vows. When Fr Ernald made his first perpetual vows in 2005, two years after entering the Jesuit novitiate, he made a personal commitment to live the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. It was his “yes” to God’s call. But today, something even more profound is happening. Today, the Society of Jesus itself, through Fr General Arturo Sosa represented by Fr Provincial Xavier Olin, is saying “yes” to Fr Ernald, confirming that his life is truly set apart for the mission of Christ in the Society of Jesus.
Pope Francis reminds us that vocation is not a human decision but a divine initiative: “The Lord always takes the initiative. He precedes us in love. He calls us, and he invites us to follow him. Our response is a gift of ourselves, but it is always a response to His grace.”
Fr Ernald has many gifts, talents and virtues that endear him to our community. I need not enumerate them. It is not surprising for example to hear students or even teachers shouting in the middle of Fr Ernald’s speech “I love you Fr Ernald!” But do not worry Dr Rey and Dr Lynn Andal and Fr Provincial. He smiles and acknowledges the admiration but does not let the adulation get into his head. He has remained grounded.
Fr Ernald knows very well that his final vows are not just his own “yes” to God, but primarily God’s “yes” to him. More than that, his vows are God’s “yes” to all of us, for through him, God will continue to serve, heal, and guide His people—even through Fr Ernald’s imperfections.
Today’s Gospel (Luke 2:22-40) tells of Jesus being presented in the Temple by his parents Mary and Joseph. This is not a simple ritual but an act of recognition: Jesus belonged first to God. In the same way, Fr Ernald’s final vows are not simply the completion of a long formation process. They are a public declaration that he belongs fully to God’s mission through the Society of Jesus.
In the Temple, the prophet Simeon prophesied that Jesus would be a light to the nations. This feast is also known as Candlemas or Candelaria, because today, we bless candles as a reminder that we, too, are called to bear Christ’s light to the world.
Dear Fr Ernald, today you are being presented—not only by your family and friends, your Jesuit brothers, and Fr Provincial—but by the Society of Jesus itself before the Lord, our King. Like the Child Jesus in the arms of Mary and Joseph, you, too, are being given completely to God.
Your mission is clear: Like Christ, you must become a light—especially where there is darkness, despair and hopelessness. This morning Abp Julius read in Santa Maria Parish the latest pastoral letter from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines entitled, “Is There Still Hope? May Pag-asa pa ba? Tiene pa ba Esperanza?” given the clouds of darkness enveloping our country and our people. The letter calls you and all of us to ignite the sparks of hope around us and to be filled with courage.
Fr Ernald, in a short while you will profess your vows before the Blessed Sacrament, before receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in holy communion. This moment brings to life the grace that our father and founder St Ignatius of Loyola received at La Storta, where God placed him with His Son carrying the Cross. St Ignatius saw this as a sign of how we Jesuits must walk with Christ, labor with Him, and suffer with Him. Your vows today are not only an incorporation into the Society of Jesus but also a deeper incorporation into the very Body of Christ and His mission.
As a Jesuit, you commit to being: Eucharistic in your spirituality, offering yourself completely to God; Crucicentric in your service, ready to bear the cost of discipleship; Obedient to the Holy See, to the Pope making yourself fully available for mission.
Your final vows are a radical act of self-giving, a concrete manifestation of what St Ignatius taught us: “En todo amar y servir. In omnibus amare et servire.” In all things, to love and to serve.
Fr Ernald, we have been deeply moved by your devotion to God and edified by your fidelity to prayer, even amidst your busy schedule and many responsibilities. Knowing that you are a Jesuit who prays, a Jesuit who is rooted in your relationship with God gives us confidence and assurance to trust in the decisions and tough choices that you make as a servant-leader.
So today we celebrate God’s mercy and faithfulness in your life. We do not only celebrate your fidelity to God; we celebrate God’s fidelity to you. As Pope Francis reminds us: “A vocation is sustained not by our strengths but by the Lord’s mercy and compassion.”
On this joyous day, we offer our deep gratitude to God, for the gift of your vocation, and to your family represented by your parents, Drs Rey and Lyn Andal, and your Aunt Diosa, for entrusting you to the Society of Jesus. And as a Zamboangueño Jesuit, allow me in the name of our alma mater Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Zamboanga City, to thank you for your love, care and vision for our university and our City. Muchas gracias. DaghangSalamat! Magsukol!
As you profess your final vows in this Jubilee Year of Hope, you stand as a beacon of light, a living candle carrying the flame of Christ for us your brother Jesuits, for the Church and for the world. Just as candles are blessed today to shine in the darkness, your Jesuit vocation is a light for the world.
We entrust you to our Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar and St Ignatius of Loyola. May they guide you always toward God’s hope, mercy and compassion. May you remain a happy, humble, hopeful and faithful Jesuit—today and for the rest of your life. Amen.