Rev. Mamert B. Mañus, SJ
October 25, 2020
When I made the leap of faith more than 10 years ago to join the Society of Jesus, it was the terminus of many years of searching and asking, of life’s many twists and turns, of a journey of finding and losing. But one thing was certain; that is, it was all about God’s great love and mercy and faithfulness. So as I slowly made my way to my new home which was Sacred Heart Novitiate, I trod with baby steps as I went along – small steps that were made possible only by a leap of faith straight into the arms of God who called me, loved me first, and loved me unconditionally.
And more than 10 years later, He continues to call me, faithfully…mercifully…lovingly. What I thought then as a terminus was actually a crossroad that led to a narrow path, down a road less travelled, whereupon the searching and asking continued, if not in fact intensified; where the twists and turns may be likened to a rollercoaster ride; and where there was much finding (of God and parts of one’s true self) and losing (a stripping of one’s ego, the unmasking of many masks). Through it all, what remains true, good and beautiful is God and the Love that enkindles, God and the Hope that enlivens, God and the Faith that sustains.
What can one do in the face of such great love? What is one to do amidst such buoyant hope? How should one be when ensconced in such enduring faith? Looking back on all that has been in my life of 44 years – and especially these past 10 years – I am just so filled with gratitude, and at the same time greatly humbled, by God’s goodness. And in the face of it all, I can only respond by mustering all the faith, hope and love that I can, despite my own very human limitations and weaknesses, to continue saying yes. A resounding yes.
In pre-pandemic times, I had the great blessing of accompanying newly ordained Jesuit deacons to their first baptisms, during our Sunday apostolate visits to Payatas. It was always an awe-inspiring sight to behold: an often lone Jesuit deacon, baptizing 30 or so babies, even more sometimes. Pagod at the end, but happy pagod. But now with the danger of Covid19 still very much around, and movements and activities restricted, my great anticipation for this beautiful sacrament has to be put on hold. Replacing it for the moment are mostly online ministries: directing retreatants in their RDL, accompanying people in SDs, and coordinating background support for online Masses. And prayers…lots of prayers for numerous prayer requests.
And yet, one must remain hopeful. There will certainly be many online Masses to serve at from hereon, as well as regular community Masses in the Scholasticate. Perhaps I will have to wait a little bit longer before I can be a minister at baptisms (and weddings!). But I take the next leap of faith forward, and serve wherever and however God calls.
Rev. Mamert B. Mañus, SJ was ordained to the diaconate last October 24, 2020 at the Church of the Gesu, Ateneo de Manila University by Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Cubao. He was ordained with 10 other Jesuits: Rev. Benjamin Thein Tun, SJ (Myanmar); Evodius Sapto Jati Nugruho, SJ (Indonesia); Francis Xavier Hoàng Trong An, SJ (Vietnam); Khaw Gei Khui Shing, SJ (Myanmar); John Thomas Kyaw Thu Win, SJ (Myanmar); Nikki James R. Lee, SJ (Philippines); Joseph Park Minwoong, SJ (Korea); John Phạm Duy Anh, SJ (Vietnam); Cesare Sposetti, SJ (Italy); and Michael Trần Gia Cảnh, SJ (Vietnam).