(Homily deliverd by Fr. Edilberto Cepe, Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists, at the wake for Fr. Amado L. Picardal, on 5 June 2024 at the Redemptorist
Pope Francis approved the request by the Philippine Bishops’ Conference to establish this ordained ministry, which was restored by Vatican Council II and is open to married men. It remains, however, marginal in Asia. For theologian Fr Picardal, it is a welcome and much-anticipated change. Now it should be incorporated in all its richness in the Philippine context.