Vocation Stories

At a very young age, I was struck by the voice of the Lord.  I could not apprehend then, what does it mean to be a “madre”.  I   was very innocent.  However, the voice had an intense impact on me.  I took hold of it.  I started to guard myself, keeping in mind that I will be for Jesus only and not for anybody else.  

As I entered the collegiate level, I was led by the Lord to take up Bachelor in Secondary Education as my course. I had in mind that my greatest service to humanity will be my contribution to the young. I firmly believe that they are really the hope of the country.  I passionately dreamt of becoming a good teacher, a teacher for everybody.

Later on, the idea was broadened to the point of becoming a Sister who is a guide and a friend of the youth.  Decidedly, I took up Religious Formation as my area of concentration.  The Lord really wanted me to share His good news to everyone.  That is why I was able to land on a job right after graduation from college.  I left my family, knowing that I had to share right away my learning from college.  I thanked God that He always guided them.  In Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, where I taught for 4 years, I could say that the Lord faithfully inspired me to grow and to deepen my vocation.  Through the presence of people around me, I have seen the love and call of God which motivated me intensely to respond and to be part in the realization of His plan. The people with their religious practices helped me a lot in deepening my vocation.  Moreover, the Franciscan Sisters (SFICs) were present in the school and nearby Cabanatuan City.  I was  truly attracted to the charism of the SFICs, more so when I attended search-ins, retreats, Associates’ gathering and most of all in my participation in the YOUFRA.  From these experiences, I have learned more of the life and virtues of St. Francis of Assisi especially on how he responded to the call.  His life of poverty struck me most.

The Secular Franciscan Order [SFO Cabanatuan City) invited me to be with them in visiting some of the depressed areas like the victims of Mt. Pinatubo eruption.  I joined them in giving relief goods.  We had also an exposure in Bicutan (Rehabilitation Center for Drug Addicts).  From these situations, I was again moved to respond more intensely.  Sr. Mary Lou Razon, the Vocation Directress then and Sr. Marie Faustine Mendoza, my vocation animator patiently and lovingly helped me in deepening and strengthening my vocation.  After going through the preliminaries/pre-requisites of entering the religious life, I finally decided to join the SFIC fold.  Happily, my family gave me their blessings.  I would say that my parents love me very much.  They tried their very best so that I will be a good child.  

On April 24, 1994, I went to St. Joseph’s College with my younger sister.  I met Sr.  Mary Lou and the other candidates.  The pain of separation from family was there but I know my family was very happy for me.  The desire was deeply strengthened during my Postulancy. The programs helped me a lot to gradually embrace the lifestyle of the SFICs.  I was always looking forward for the growth of this seed that God has planted in my heart.  God always granted me the gift of perseverance, fidelity and let the fire burning kept alive.  He enables me to be more faithful with my response.  

As I celebrated my 25 years of Religious life as SFIC, I again asked: What is it all about? It is all about fidelity to an intimate relationship with my God who called me and love me unconditionally. It is a faithful commitment to what I professed as a Franciscan Sister, all for the LOVE OF GOD wherever I am and whatever I do. I am happy as a Franciscan. I am trying my best to be faithful to the life that I embraced! I see life as an ongoing invitation to be my best self and to find meaning in all that I see and do, mindful of the will of God in and through me! I have had beautiful experiences and good memories of the life spent with people of different time and space. These are etched at the recesses of my being. 

Challenges, trials, difficulties, temptations and complacency at times are but part and parcel of maturing and growing in faith and love. I just ask God to be merciful to me, bless my mind, my heart, my feet and all my whole being so that I may always recognize His Face in all things! I am not worthy but God’s reassuring and merciful love gives me confidence and life.

The road to wholeness /holiness is still long! It is an ongoing journey. I entrust everything to God’s hands, my guide and teacher! God is my ALL! May I be given the graces I need to be faithful and steadfast in this life that I have professed for my entire life. So, help me God!

My prayer: My God, You are the author of my vocation. You called me by name. Thank you for calling me unconditionally. I responded in faith. Thank you for your abiding presence in my journey. Thank you for sustaining me in my consecrated life. As I renew my commitment, I beg you to fill my being: my head with the focus to see your will at all times; my heart with your compassion to love people inclusively; my hands with your transforming services and care for the needy; my feet with the directions to walk the right path. 

May I love you more gratefully, gracefully, graciously, faithfully and joyfully all the days of my life.  I LOVE YOU, MY GOD!