PHOTO COURTESY OF BARRY HUBER
Bob Liwanag’s family is very supportive of his decision to become a deacon. From left: Amanda Liwanag, Bob, Tessie Liwanag, son-in-law Kenny Gershberg and Corinne Gershberg.
Ridgewood resident studies to become a Roman Catholic deacon
DECEMBER 5, 2014 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY GLORIA GEANNETTE
MANAGING EDITOR |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Ridgewood resident Bob Liwanag is a devout Roman Catholic, but he was a bit taken aback when his friends in town, Nick and Arlene DeLucca, suggested that he would be a great candidate to become a deacon.
“I didn’t feel worthy,” says the very humble Liwanag, who is now well on his way to achieving that lofty goal. Earlier this fall, he was one of 27 candidates who were blessed by the Archbishop of Newark, Bernard Hebda, in a an acolyte installation ceremony held at Mount Carmel Church in Ridgewood. More than 50 members of the clergy and about 350 guests were in attendance that evening.
The path Liwanag and his fellow candidates have accepted is not an easy one, especially now that a master’s degree in theology is one of the requirements. The goal is to be ordained as a deacon in the summer of 2016. At that point, Liwanag will be able to perform several duties that people usually associate with priests. For example, deacons can baptize babies, witness marriages and conduct funeral services. They will use their life experiences in the secular world to serve the church and the community at large. Although married men can become deacons, they cannot remarry if they become widowers, except by special dispensation.
“The apostles were the first deacons,” explained Liwanag. “They were instructed by Jesus to go out and serve the community.” That service to others is one of the ideals that drew Liwanag to his course of studies. “It may sound corny,” he said, “but everyone is called to serve God. It’s how you respond that makes the difference.”
https://www.northjersey.com/towns/ridgewood-resident-studies-to-become-a-deacon-1.1146923