Fr. Bong Celebrates 25th Sacerdotal Anniversary
Outgoing CTK parish priest Fr. Bong Tupino celebrated his 25th Sacerdotal Anniversary last April 9 at the Manila Cathedral, the site where he was first ordained as priest, back in March 27, 1993.
The ‘Solemn Thanksgiving Mass’ marking Rev. Fr. Jose Sanmillan Tupino III’s 25th anniversary in the priesthood was celebrated on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, as the Manila Cathedral is less known.
Helping celebrate the special occasion were Bishops Rex Ramirez, Teodoro Bacani, Antonio Tobias, and Antonio Rañola. In addition, Fr. Bong was joined at the altar by other priests celebrating their silver jubilee as well. This included Fr. Carlomagno Marcelo, Fr. Jojo Zerrudo, Fr. Joel Ruyeras, Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, Fr. Lito Jopson, and Msgr. Mike Veneracion.
The Introduction to the Mass, found on the very Cirst page of the beautifully printed program, appropriately said:
We join Rev. Fr. Jose Sanmillan Tupino III in giving thanks to God for twenty five years in the priesthood. Fr. Bong gave his ‘yes’ to the call to ordained ministry and God has been gracious and faithful in sustaining him unFl this day in the call he has generously given himself. It is God’s fidelity that sustains Fr. Bong and allows him to persevere in the ministry. We continue to pray for Fr. Bong and for all priests and consecrated men and women who like Mary have offered their lives in the service of God and have made their yes an offering that the Word may be Incarnated in the lives of the many they minister to. A yes rooted in God’s unwavering fidelity.
The special mass was graced by the participation of Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, despite the cardinal being ‘under the weather’. A unique part of the mass was the Renewal of Priestly Promises, which was conducted by Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco DD, Bishop of Cubao. After asking Fr. Bong to reaffirm his vows, Bishop Ness turned to the crowd and said:
Dearest sons and daughters, pray for. Fr. Bong and for priests, that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them, and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ, the High Priest, so that they may lead you to Him, who is the source of salvation.
Bishop Rex Ramirez, a good friend of Fr. Bong and classmate at the San Jose Seminary, who had just been promoted to bishop of the Diocese of Naval (Eastern Visayas), delivered the homily. In his final response, Fr. Bong thanked Cardinal Tagle, Bishop Ongtioco, the other bishops who came, the priests who attended (which was nearly all the diocesan and guest priests of the Cubao diocese), including all the parishioners from his previous parishes of Lady of Peace of Sucat, Paranaque, San Isidro Labrador in Tandang Sora, Hearts of Jesus and Mary in West Triangle, Our Lady of Pentecost in Loyola Heights, and his current parish of Christ the King Greenmeadows. He also acknowledged the special presence of an old teacher at the seminary, Sister Amelia. Brother Mark Purruganan was overall event coordinator, master of ceremonies, and in-charge of the liturgy. He also stood by Fr. Bong Tupino as sacristan the whole time.
The mass commentator was no other than CTK’s own Leila Banico, Worship Ministry head. Fr. Bong invited several priests with whom he grew up and attended San Jose Seminary.
After the traditional picture taking of Fr. Bong with the bishops, with best friend priests, and with all the Cubao diocese clergy, the congregation made its way to Fr. Blanco’s Garden three blocks away, at the back of San Agustin Church, for the reception. Seats had been pre- assigned and Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows had six adjoining tables reserved, in addition to the CTK staff table. over 300 guests came to celebrate with Fr. Bong. Chef Jessie Sincioco catered the exceptional dinner.
