Mediaworker’s son ordained priest
“The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportnity to bless the lives of others” — Thomas S.Monson
It was a Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, a lad from Baclayon woke up as a reverend and went to bed as a newly-minted priest.
Fr. Hilario P. Idulsa Jr., CSsR has been ordained into the priesthood much to the delight of his peers, friends and family. His journey to the priesthood was not easy but he persevered.
Fr. Idulsa is the son of hardworking mediaworker Hilario “Larry” Idulsa Sr. who has been a loyal employee of Community Media Network, the operator of DYTR-AM and FM stations.
The unassuming Larry himself had doubts that his son can become a priest.
“Wala ko magdahum nga makalahutay siya [referring to Fr. Idulsa],” Larry told The Bohol Tribune in a text message on Jan. 8, 2021.
Fr. Idulsa was made a deacon on March 16, 2021, and the ordination was held on Jan. 7, 2022.
“Wala me mag expect sya mapare kay sya man ang nag disisyon, sya lang ang among ge pasagdan kin asa taman iya kaya. Ang iyang [Fr. Idulsa] gibati nga nahimong pare nalipay ug labaw sa tanan nagpasalamat sa Ginoo nga nahimo sya pari,” Larry added.
Nonetheless,the family is thankful that another worker has been sent to work in the Lord’s vineyard. Fr. Larry may be waiting for his next journey but certainly the trip would be worthwhile and fruitful.
Fr. Idulsa is a true blue Baclayanon from barangay San Roque who studied at the Baclayon Central Elementary School and went to Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School for his secondary education.
Fr. Idulsa then entered the Rogationist Seminary College-Cebu Saint Alphonsus and had further studies at the Theological and Mission Institute – Davao City.
Fr. Idulsa became a deacon on Mar. 16, 2021 and a priest just this week.
The venue of the ordination was at the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish- Redemtorist Church, Ramon Aboitiz St., barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City.
Members of Idulsa family were present during the ordination including Larry’s wife Flordiliza, and Fr. Idulsa’s siblings Hezyl Marie and Carl Braian.
The ordination rites were presided over by Most Rev. Emmanuel Cabajar C.Ss.R. D.D. – bishop emeritus of Pagadian.
Fr. Idulsa is set to celebrate his thanksgiving mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church at Poblacion, Baclayon on Jan. 15, 2022 at 10 am.
Perhaps the words of David Bedhar best sums up the meaning of the event in the life of Fr. Idulsa: “The authority of the priesthood by the laying on of hands is an important beginning, but it is not enough. Ordination confers authority, but righteousness is required to act with power as we strive to lift souls, to teach and testify, to bless and counsel, and to advance the work of salvation.