Ordination

Written last June 10, 2011.

I attended my classmates ordination yesterday morning. The celebration was solemn. The whole Church celebrated a wonderful gift, the gift of priesthood. They, Rev. Fr. Edward Pecson and Rev. Fr. Jonathan Lazaro, are now shepherds who will help in leading the flock towards Christ. As their names were being called, I imagined my own name being called as well. I was thinking what my parents, friends and relatives would have felt knowing that I'm being ordained. But, the thought did not stopped there. I started asking myself if I would even be happy if I was ordained.

During my first few years inside the seminary, I know that I have a vocation and that I'd be a priest in the future. But as they say it "Many are called but few are chosen". In my case, I was called but was not chosen.
I went out because I felt that was the most honest to goodness thing I could've done during those days. And, I'm proud with the decision I made. Although, I still hear some people telling me that I only went out because I had a girlfriend when I was in the seminary. I just tell them that she has nothing to do with me leaving the seminary. I'd leave anyway even if I didn't had her that time. That's what I wanted.

As the mass was proceeding, I asked myself if I still have a vocation. The answer was clear. No, I no longer have it. But then again I know it's not for me to decide. I know that if I really am meant for priesthood I will become a priest. It's His call anyway and who am I to decline His call. It would be a pleasure to serve Him in a way He pleases.

After the ordination there was a picture-taking event. When I went with my friend, Jose, in front of the altar to congratulate our classmates, I saw in their faces the smile that can lift a stressful man's spirit. Their faces were filled with joy and I felt happy for them. I felt proud myself that now I have classmates who are now priests. If I were feeling proud that time, I can just imagine how proud their parents were for them. And, I felt proud for their parents too.

Jose told me "If only all of us continued with our journey towards priesthood, there will be a lot of priests ordained today". I just smiled at him. Because, out of all the people who will say that, I heard it from him? I laughed at that thought. I didn't expect it to come out of his own mouth. Jose was one of my best friends when we were in the seminary and up to now I consider him like a brother. And knowing him, he's not like the man who would say that. but then again, maybe he was joking. Or, maybe not.

Anyway, when we went to the reception, I saw a lot of familiar faces, friends who were my contemporary when I was in the seminary. Most of them are now priests. I greeted them and tried to kiss their hands although they wouldn't let me. We were so young when we were in the seminary --well, some not so young-- that we all used to joke around on simple things and laugh our hearts out, and now people are relying on them for spiritual guidance. When I think about it, the fact that we traversed the same path before is already a blessing to be proud of. I may not be a priest like them, but we all share the same mission and that is to serve and follow the Lord.

So to my classmates who were recently ordained, kudos to you guys. My prayers are with you and may St John Marie Vianney guide you as you journey towards your new endeavours. And to my classmates, who like me, have chosen to serve Him in a different way aside from priesthood, kudos to us as well for being true to ourselves and may we all remember the one reason why we were bound together it is God.