AN ALUMNUS OF San Beda University (SBU), Rev. Fr. Norman M. Gandia, with the assistance of the Bedan Pastoral Ministry (BPM), presided over a thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration at the Abbey of Our Lady of Montserrat last December 13.
Fr. Gandia is a graduate of high school Class of 2006 and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Batch 2010, where he holds a degree in financial management.
He was ordained by the Sacred Order of Presbyters last December 2, 2023, under the “imposition of hands” led by the Archbishop of Manila, Jose Cardinal Advincula.
The jubilation mass, which took place at nine in the morning, was attended by students and professors from the Integrated Basic Education Department (IBED) alongside the CAS’ Department of Financial Management.
Representatives from the CAS and Senior High School level also gifted Fr. Gandia an image of the Good Shepherd and an image of Our Lady of Montserrat as a token of appreciation for the Bedan priest.
Following the festivities, Bedan students and administrators took part in the practice of “kissing of hands” of Fr. Gandia, a Catholic custom for newly-appointed clergymen.
In an interview, Fr. Gandia disclosed how certain individuals from his Bedan upbringing influenced his journey towards becoming a priest, “kasi remember when I was in high school, back 2006, 2002-2006, Abbot Austin—the now Abbot Austin—would always be approaching us with a smile. And because of that, I was… all the more attracted to priesthood.”
The newly-consecrated priest could not contain his excitement to the Bedan community after returning to the Lions’ Den. “I’m just so so so grateful…thank you would always be flat, would always be cold, to say to these Bedan community and also to God.” “I’m glad, I’m happy…my happiness is just overwhelming and I’m overjoyed right now with the grace of God,” he added.
Fr. Gandia also relished the opportunity to pursue his academic endeavors in San Beda, saying “that’s it, I just feel so lucky and.. I will also thank my parents for allowing me to go to San Beda in my high school and college days.”
(with Thirdy Pabilico)