My Vocation Story

 Out of juvenile mind as a mundane individual living in this world of complexities, during my childhood I did not know what faith is. I presumed that I and my family were living as pious Christians. We attended the mass every Sunday. We recited prayers before meals and before going to bed. We introduced to familiarize different bible stories. These were somehow a manifestation on how we .profess our faith. I did not understand it but I just follow. These somehow contributed a lot in my vocation to grow and cultivated my desire to serve Him for the rest of my life. Partly, in my elementary days, because of being an active pupil in catechism classes since we do not have religion subject in public school, I had that dream to become priest someday. But it was gone when I entered high school. When I went to college I was uncertain what to take up. However, I imagined myself at that time to become an office clerk and most appealing was to become a seafarer. Because we cannot afford financially to support and to realize my dreams, my parents especially my father wanted me to become a teacher. I took up Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English. Fortunately, after 4 years, with the aid of scholarships offered, I finished my degree last March 2008. I did my best and offered all those achievements I got to my family, to my father specially. After I graduated, I asked myself of where and how I will be going to carry out my mission, to fulfill my plans, my dreams, my goals. Consequently, another trial struck and challenged me that was when my father left me behind, he died. As an eldest, I had an anxiety of what things I must to pursue. I became skeptical. I felt pressured. However, God intervention is a mystery that helped me to overcome despair. One of the priests opened his door to us and extended his hand for our family. He became not just our inspiration but an affectionate father to us. His deeds somehow inspire me and motivate me to enter seminary though he never talked or convinced me about this matter. To move on, I worked as a teacher. For two years of being a teacher, I tried to love my work. I explored, enjoyed and extended financial help to my family. Subsequently, I learned a lot. As my journey went along, I found myself unsatisfied, unfulfilled, something empty. I felt that it was just like a way to nothingness – meaningless at all. This was the main impetus that motivated me to enter seminary. This led me to leave my family, my career and my love life with consent and believing that God will never abandon them. I never regret upon responding to this initial call of God. Instead, I enjoy being here, striving and learning the life with God. With optimism, I pray to nourish this desire toward priesthood.