On April 23, 2026, the community of the Priests of the Sacred Heart rejoiced in a special moment of grace: the ordination of Bro. Francis S. J. Atayza to the diaconate. It was a day marked by gratitude, faith, and quiet joy, as one more servant offered his life more fully to God and to His people.

The ordination was conferred by Jose A. Cabantan, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, at the Immaculate Concepcion Parish. The celebration gathered confreres, family, and friends, all united in prayer and thanksgiving for this important step in Francis’ vocation.

Francis comes from the village of Ogod in Donsol, Sorsogon, in the Bicol region. Born on February 6, 1981, he is now 45 years old. He is the youngest in a close-knit family, with one sister and two brothers. His parents, both educators, have deeply influenced his values and faith. Though at first they were concerned about the demands of religious life, they have come to support him wholeheartedly after seeing his journey and commitment.

His path to the diaconate has not been immediate. Like many vocations, it matured over time. Francis first felt the call to the priesthood during his college years in 2000. However, he initially pursued a different direction, completing a degree in Business Administration and working in various fields, including the call center industry and later with an international shipping company. These years of professional experience helped shape his discipline, patience, and openness to people from different cultures.

A simple but meaningful moment helped redirect his life. While visiting the EDSA Shrine, he saw a poster of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. That small encounter became the beginning of a life-changing journey. After reaching out to the formation community, he formally entered the program on April 29, 2014.

Step by step, Francis continued to grow in his vocation. He made his first profession of vows on June 28, 2018, and his final vows on December 6, 2023. Throughout these years, he has been inspired by the spirituality of the congregation, especially the example of Leo John Dehon, whose love for the poor and commitment to social justice deeply resonate with him.

Francis speaks warmly about the sense of brotherhood he has found in the community. This experience of fraternity has been one of the strongest foundations of his vocation. At the same time, he has faced challenges, particularly the pain of being away from his family. Yet, he has learned to entrust these sacrifices to God with faith.

His personality is simple and sincere. He describes himself as someone with a positive outlook on life, though also shy at first. Those who know him appreciate his quiet humor and gentle spirit. He has also developed skills along the way, including learning Spanish and cultivating an interest in writing.

As a newly ordained deacon, Francis looks to the future with hope. He expresses a desire to serve in retreat ministry and missionary work, and he hopes that the congregation will continue to expand its presence, especially in Luzon, his home region.

The diaconate is not the end, but an important step of service—proclaiming the Word, assisting at the altar, and living a life of charity. In Francis, we see a vocation patiently formed through time, experience, and grace.

This day reminds us that God continues to call, often in simple and unexpected ways—a poster on a wall, a quiet stirring in the heart, a long journey that slowly becomes clear. And when that call is answered generously, it becomes a blessing for the whole Church.

We give thanks for the gift of Deacon Francis Atayza and pray that his ministry may be faithful, joyful, and fruitful in the service of God’s people.