Every priest has a unique story to tell about his vocation as the call comes in all sorts of ways and takes many forms. Just like one seminarian before who made a poem way back year 1995 and I quote:
Bata pa akong maliit, sa tawag ng Poon ako'y naakit.
Sa mga salita ng ina kong binanggit, "manok" ang sa aki'y kumalabit.
Ako'y pumasok sa seminaryo upang tanggapin, ang tawag ng Poon na aking pinansin.
Ako'y hindi makapaniwala sa aking narating, ako'y naging seminarista at ngayo'y pari dahil sa "manok" Mong pain.
By this, we may say, indeed becoming a priest is a mystery. And for Kenn, this "manok" became the beginning of all other mysteries. Mysteries, just like the rosary, include Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous ones.
The Joyful Mystery:
Kenn enjoyed his seminary life as well as the memories he had with his family, friends and formators, which made him loved his stay in the seminary.
The Sorrowful Mystery:
Kenn suffered from his defective eyes when we were in Philosophy that made him missed our classes. Kenn also felt the pain of losing his father when we were in Theology.
The Glorious Mystery:
First thing is that Sacramental Brotherhood became a living experience among us as classmates. Then in the long period of delay regarding his ordination, I see the glory of God by saying, "The last deacon ordained by Bishop Reyes in Kalibo became the first priest ordained by Bishop Romeo Lazo." In addition, being a deacon which seemed to last forever, Kenn had the privilege to place the date of his ordination on his birthday. Thus, it signals the birth of his spiritual identity embracing his human identity.
The Luminous Mystery:
Kenn, you received the "Mystery of Light" yesterday, the day of your ordination. This Mystery of Light should not remain only a mystery but a ministry -a Ministry of Light.
My welcoming words for you as a new priest and more than this as my bestfriend are these when you begin your ministry of light.
1. Just as Jesus the true light which enlightens every one who comes into the world, so shall you bring light to all the faithful as a priest. As a light, do not underestimate the power of the dark side especially that of materialism and consumerism which may harm you and your ministry.
2. In order to enlighten the faithful, you should first become a light. To become a light, you need Christ -the source of all lights. And to accomplish this, it is fundamentally important that you rediscover the absolute need for personal sanctity i.e., live in Christ, like Christ and for Christ. In your prayer and celebration of sacraments, be His witness, listen and reflect, tell amd retell no other stories than that of the great light Jesus the Christ.
3. As a shining light, shine more and more unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18). Kenn, we know how hard it is to carry the light and to keep it burning. Yet, never give up as you never had given up before. In our ministry, expect that we cannot please everybody but do remember, to please everybody is not our ministry. Rather, to make what is pleasing to God our priority. Our ministry to carry the light of Christ is our life, so shall we die carrying this same light.
To end, in behalf of the young priests as well as the whole presbyterium, I welcome you who are our new priest-collaborator in the apostolate. Your priesthood is absolutely vital. There is no substitute for it. You carry the light of Christ as your priestly ministry through your day-to-day service of the faithful. You are minister of the sacraments. It is you who bring comfort to people and guide them in difficult moments in their lives. We urge you to continue on your chosen path willingly and joyfully: a light that is willing to shine! No one should be discouraged as we are only doing God's works, that same God who lights us, calls us, sends us and remains with us everyday of our lives. Amen.
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