First Filipino Deacon in Hungary Ordained
Bishop Német László, SVD ordains Elmer E. Hernandez a deacon. (Relson Cordero photo)
BUDAPEST 09 November 2018 – A well-loved and active member of the Filipino Community in Hungary was ordained as the first Filipino deacon in Hungary last month.
Reverend Deacon Elmer E. Hernandez, a native of Oriental Mindoro, received the sacrament of Holy Orders from Zrenjanin Bishop Német Laszló.
He is set to be ordained a priest in Tagaytay early next year and appeals to his friends and family, “Kindly include me in your prayers as I look forward to my priestly ordination back home.”
The deacon, who is in his early 30s, was surprised by the support that he received at his ordination from his family and friends as well as members of the Filipino community.
His parents, Maximino and Francisca Hernandez, who are working in Italy, traveled to Hungary for the special occasion.
Ambassador to Hungary Maria Fe T. Pangilinan, together with Attachés Lallaine Marie Uy and Necitas Dimayuga, were also present to witness the momentous event.
A Filipino group based in Vienna, Austria, also showed their support by performing the dance “Pit Señor” during Hernandez’s processional entrance.
Hernandez started his vocation in June 2000 when he entered the Christ the King Mission Seminary in Quezon City. In October 2007, he arrived in Hungary and pursued studies in Sacred Theology at the Pázmány Péter Catholic University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He earned his Master’s Degree in Theology from the Archiepiscopal Theological College of Veszprém where he received an excellent rating. END
Filipino ladies from Vienna lead the procession with a Pit Señor dance number. (Budapest PE photo)
Rev. Elmer Hernandez, SVD being congratulated by Ambassador Pangilinan. (Relson Cordero photo)
Rev. Elmer Hernandez with his parents, Ambassador Pangilinan and Embassy staff. (Relson Cordero photo)
For more information, visit www.budapestpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineEmbassyBudapest.