no, this is not about m. scott peck's work. but i will post something about it next time.
august 10 is quite a memorable date for me. some 11 years ago, i almost packed my bags in the seminary for good due to an incident involving my college batch. looking back at that incident and everything else that happened in between then and now, i have to say that it was god who sustained me through it all, and it is and it will still be god who will continue to lead me to where he wants me to be.
last night, i got an email from a friend of mine, asking a favor if i can answer a set of questions for her brother's theology class in la salle. answering these questions made me reflect and look back at my vocation - a 12-year odyssey (and counting) - and the journey to the priesthood which is never the destination in itself.
Was this your initial path to take?
I entered the minor (high school) seminary when I was 12 years old, so I actually wanted to be a priest when I was still young. After four years in high school seminary and another four years of studying philosophy in the college seminary, I took a regency (break) from formation to work as a Property Manager of a condominium community in Quezon City for one year. I returned to seminary afterwards, then three years into my theological studies I took another regency and taught high school christian life education at Xavier School for three years. I just returned to the seminary this year for my final two years of seminary formation.
How did you find your calling and how was your initial response about it?
I was part of the knights of the altar in my elementary years as well as in our parish. Back then, I find the priesthood attractive, but I cannot fully pinpoint a precise reason behind it. I took the exams in the minor seminary to give things a try, then everything else followed from there.
What is your first childhood memory of wanting to become a religious?
As a young boy, I once played "pari-parian" with childhood playmates, using marie biscuits and hawhaw flakes as hosts and RC Cola as wine. As an altar server, I once asked myself, "What does it feel to be the one to raise the host and the chalice? What does it feel to be a priest?"
Who supported you in your decision to having a religious life?
My family has been quite supportive to me all from the moment I decided to enter or return to the seminary and even when I left the seminary twice. They visit me every Sunday as a way of showing their support to my chosen vocation.
What do you love the most as being a priest/nun/brother?
Serving different kinds of people and reaching out to them - even if I don't personally know them at all.
What was the most difficult part of being a priest/nun/brother and why?
The sacrifices one has to make in life in pursuit of a higher, more noble goal. People at my age have already settled themselves with the profession they chose, some have already begun raising a family (as most of my classmates and friends have), others have made crucial career shifts in order to proceed with their desired way of life. I too have to make big sacrifices: giving up other possible career options to tread a particular path, giving up the possibility of having a family of my own, giving up their own personal freedom and interests for the sake of this vocation of mine, giving up their time, talents, and treasure for something or someone other than myself.
Was there a point in your life when you were about to give up and switch path? If so, how did you overcome it?
As mentioned, I left the seminary twice to explore the world outside the four walls of the seminary. I guess it's not by my own effort alone that I am back in the seminary. Through the grace of God and the prayers and support of the people around me, I am persevering in this path of life that God wills for me.
Could you cite an accomplishment, big or small, that you have done throughout living a religious life?
Well, I've gone places I've never been before as part of our mission and formation as future priests. There was even a point when I lived under a bridge in Manila in order to experience and understand the situation and plight of the poor people. I guess there's more to experience and more to understand as in the final two years of my formation in the seminary, so much more in the life of a priest someday.
How would you encourage other people to pursue this kind of vocation?
A person who is willing to give his best in his formation and whose intelligence is being used to the full is most welcome in this kind of life. Often, you may not feel worthy to be in service of God. However, God would not be calling you in this direction if God did not feel you could offer your gifts and talents for the priesthood.
What advice can you give to young adults who are considering a religious life?
No one is ever sure the first time they begin to explore God’s call in their lives. Discerning God’s call takes a lifetime. One of the very best things anyone can do is to pray for vocations and to help promote vocations. You may visit San Jose Seminary at Ateneo de Manila University campus, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. You may also reach us through our website (http://www.sanjoseseminary.org) for more information.
deo gratias.
Post-script: Part of my answers for the 6th question came from my reflection entitled "My Sacrifice", while my responses to the 9th and 10th questions were extracts from the write-up I made for the "Frequently Asked Questions" portion of the San Jose Seminary website.
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