Sorsogon blessed with new deacon
Sorsogon Bishop Arturo M. Bastes, SVD, DD, and the clergy of the Diocese of Sorsogon shared the momentous event with Rev. Bernabe V. Vargas, who was also blessed by the presence of close friends and family. Jr. FR. NOEL LISTANA
By Fr. Philippe A. B. Gallanosa and Dr. Maria Theresa L. de Ramon
June 11, 2018
SORSOGON
The Diocese of Sorsogon received a new deacon in the person of 37-year old seminarian Bernabe “Burn” V. Vargas, Jr., who was ordained to the Holy Order of the Diaconate on May 10 by Sorsogon Bishop Arturo M. Bastes, SVD, DD.
“It was an invitation of the Holy Spirit. The Church is universal and we only serve one God. I know that most who are discerning the priesthood seek ordination in their home dioceses, but that it is technically possible to apply anywhere one wants. Besides, priesthood is both a gift and mystery.”
This was Vargas’ reply when asked why he was ordained in the Diocese of Sorsogon rather than in his hometown diocese Virac.
The new deacon also shared a message regarding priesthood: “Priesthood is a calling from God. It is not simply an occupation among many that a man might choose. My gratitude to the Diocese of Sorsogon for welcoming me as one of their soon-to-be brother priests.”
Born in Virac, Catanduanes on Jan. 12, 1981, “Burn” was baptized Bernabe Villapaña Vargas, Jr. His parents are Mr. Bernabe Vargas, Sr. and Mrs. Luz Vargas. They are six siblings in the family, 3 girls and 3 boys, “Burn” being the youngest.
He took up his elementary education at the Virac Central School from 1988 to 1994, while he received his secondary education at Catanduanes College from 1994 to 1998.
Later on, he decided to study philosophy at Mater Salutis College Seminary in Sipi, Daraga, Albay from 2001 to 2005. He continued his seminary life by studying theology at the Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City from 2009 to 2015.
Right after his ordination, the new deacon will be assigned to Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral Parish where he will join Msgr. Felix Elegado, Jr., parish priest and vicar general of the Diocese of Sorsogon, Fr. Bobet Jazmin, Fr. Noel Listana, and Fr. Jeffer Ian Mina.
