On January 4, 2025, the eve of the Epiphany, the Society of St. Paul received a “gift of the Magi” in the priesthood of Rev. Jhon Fred "Lennon" Caranzo, a Filipino member of the Province of Spain. The Priesthood Ordination took place during the morning Eucharistic celebration at the Sanctuary of St. Paul in Makati, presided by the ordaining prelate, Msgr. Socrates Villegas, Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan. Joining him at the altar were the Provincial Superior Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite and delegates from the SSP Province of Spain: Provincial Superior Fr. Miguel Carmen Hernandez and Provincial Councilor Fr. Omar Delgado. Numerous Pauline priests and some diocesan clergy concelebrated. Also present were the ordinand’s family members and friends, members of SSP communities, and delegates from the Pauline Family.
In his homily, Archbishop Villegas emphasized the human unworthiness of the grace and dignity of priesthood. It is only the love of God that enables a priest to be “another Christ” and to act in his name. Hence, the invitation to humility, to gratefulness, and to confidence in God’s love.
Before the end of the Mass, Fr. Delgado read the Message of the Superior General Fr. Domenico Soliman who said: “The gift and responsibility of the priesthood are immense, and it is for this reason that we entrust ourselves fully to God’s grace. Your ministry is a mission that embraces both the Pauline Family, the Church, the society as a whole. Blessed Alberione thus reminds us to have ‘a soul of an apostle.’” Fr. Delgado also translated for Fr. Hernandez who spoke in Spanish, thanking the Philippines-Macau Province for sending members to be part of the Spanish Province, and Fr. Caranzo for his missionary availability.
In his thanksgiving message, Fr. Caranzo spoke of God’s hands directing him to St. Paul Seminary for his initial formation and eventually his transfer to Spain. He thanked everyone present and also his confreres in Spain who were following the online Ordination rites.
After the Mass, the community gathered at the Don Zanoni Gym for the reception.
Fr. Caranzo, 29 years, was born in Taguig City. He entered St. Paul Seminary in May 2013. He made his first profession of vows in June 2018 and transferred to the Spanish Province in 2019. He did his Theology at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas and was ordained deacon on June 22, 2024.
