A doubly joyful celebration took place at St. Camillus Hospital of Mati last July 14.  The Mati community celebrated not only the feast of St. Camillus de Lellis but also the diaconal ordination of Rev. Marven Ruyeras, MI. A solemn Mass officiated by Most. Rev. Patricio H. Alo, DD, Bishop of Mati, was held at the Divine Mercy Shrine.  Rev. George Cajes served as deacon and Fr. Bernard Albao as master of ceremonies.  The Mass began at 9:30 am.  Fr. Ivo Anselmi, Provincial Superior, Fr. Gabby Garcia, Fr. Tex Buntol, Fr. Boy Guinit, Fr. Nato Maliwat, Fr. Bong Pamintuan and Fr. Angel Crisostomo were present as concelebrants. 

A good number of diocesan and religious priests also concelebrated. Friends, benefactors, seminarians, and sisters from different religious congregations were also in attendance. The personnel of St. Camillus Hospital of Mati were, of course, part of the congregation too.

After the homily, the ordination rites began with Fr. Ivo presenting Rev. Marven to Bishop Alo.  The laying of hands on Rev. Marven by the Bishop was the highlight.  The ordinand’s parents, Mr. Felix Ruyeras and Mrs. Delia Gresos Ruyeras, with Fr. Bong assisting, invested him with the stole and dalmatic.

Before the final blessing, Rev. Marven expressed his heartfelt thanks to his very supportive parents and to his relatives and friends who came all the way from Bukidnon and Quezon Province. He also thanked the bishop, the provincial superior, all his confreres, other concelebrating priests, the Carmelite choir, the seminarian servers,  the government officials present, the faithful of Mati and, of course, the personnel of SCH-Mati.

The reception followed at the nearby St. Therese Gym. Vice Gov. Mayo Almario and Vice Mayor Cesar de Erio joined the gathering. The HRM students of Mati Doctors’ College served the delicious, carefully prepared meal.

While everybody was enjoying lunch, a short program took place, with Ms. Amylou Sebellino, as emcee.  It began with an ethnic song and dance number by “Pagdungawan,” a group from Davao Oriental State College headed by Prof. Helen Colminares.  This was followed by Fr. Ivo Anselmi’s inspirational talk.  The Divine Healer Choir of DMC headed by Fr. Tex Buntol also rendered some touching songs. A dance medley performed by some SCH employees followed.  Then Mrs. Ruyeras conveyed words of encouragement to her son.  Fr. Bong Pamintuan gave the closing remarks. He expressed his gratitude to Rev. Marven for being generous in his service to the community. He also acknowledged the efforts of all the employees of St. Camillus Hospital for the success of the celebration.

At 5:30 PM, the hospital staff gathered at the lobby for the blessing of the newly renovated offices officiated by Rev. Marven Ruyeras together with Fr. Ivo Anselmi. Fr. Boy and Fr. Gabby did the honors in cutting the ribbon. After the blessing, dinner followed at the hospital canteen.

Indeed it had been a grace-filled day.