The Right Reverend James Cowan, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of B.C., will preside Saturday over the induction of Fr. Anthony Divinagracia as rector of the Anglican Parish of St. John the Divine in Courtenay.
The service happens at 4 p.m.
Anthony hails from Manila in the Philippines where he received his formal education and training as a Roman Catholic priest.
He has a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from the University of St. La Salle (1992) and a Master's degree in Theology from Adamson University Manila (1996).
In 2005 his application to come to Canada and perform his pastoral ministry was approved through the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria; first serving as Associate Pastor of St Patrick's Church in Campbell River; Christ the King Church in Courtenay; and as Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Salt Spring Island and St. Mary's Church in Port McNeill.
In December 2009 and after being in the Roman Catholic priestly ministry for almost 14 years Anthony resigned, feeling called to the vocation of marriage.
For a while Anthony worked full time as program co-ordinator for Carmichael Enterprises Youth Residential Programs supporting individuals with special needs.
Anthony joined the Anglican Church in December 2010. He and his wife Nell Power were married at St. Peter's Anglican Church in August 2010.
Bishop James Cowan formally received Nell and Anthony into the Anglican Church June 2011.
After finishing his Anglican study program in Victoria, Bishop James Cowan received his ordination to the Diaconate July 22, 2012 at St. Peter's Church in Comox and then appointed him to serve at St. John the Divine Church in Courtenay.
On March 9, 2013 at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, a large congregation of worshippers witnessed the Receiving of the Priesthood of Anthony Ada Divinagracia to the Anglican Church of Canada.
The Parish Council and Parishioners of St. John the Divine extend to Anthony their warmest wishes and God speed as rector of the Anglican Parish of St. John the Divine.
— St. John the Divine