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Ratchanon
Clement Boonprason
November 17, 1993
(Thailand)
“I am the Lord’s servant; let it be done to me
according to your word” Lk. 1:38
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My Vocation Story
I am Ratchanon Boonprasom, born
on November 17, 1993 in Sakon Nkhon, Thailand. When I was a child my parents
always take me and my siblings to the church. I came to know God because of
them. And on that time I don’t know yet the notion of future.
But during my primary school
years I came to like the profession of teaching. Thus, I thought that I would
like to become a teacher someday. Moreover, there was this teacher that caught
my attention. But he is not an educator of the school but of the church. He is
a priest, a very good preacher. Hence, from this started a kind of desire to
become like him, a Stigmatine.
I know already about the
Stigmatine minor seminary but I did not enter because I am no yet ready. And
so, I studied secondary school in St. Joseph School.
After high school I decided to
enter Stigmatine seminary. I chose to be a religious Stigmatine, not a priest.
It is by the reasons of humility and service. I want to teach and serve in the
spirit of humility. I am now a newly accepted novice and I always pray to God
to help me in my journey towards religious life.
Novice Ratchanon Clement
Boonprasom
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Dan Dave Cainoy
December 16, 1992
(Philippines)
“Never give-up”
|
“Many
are called but only few are chosen”
Each
and every one of us has its own unique vocation story. In my part I can say
that I have this unique experience because it was all started when I was in 3rd
year high school. On one occasion, I was invited by a CSSH (Catechist
Sisters of the Sacred Heart) sister in a vocation Jamboree that was one
overnight activity. There were different congregations of nuns and priest
gathered together, then promoting their different communities and
congregations. And eventually, none of them caught my attention only the movie
that was all about becoming a priest and I was touched by the song entitled “Tinatawag
Ka Niya” in English “You are called by Him” that’s the only thing
that really caught my emotional state. In fact on that activity I’d never
encountered the Stigmatines. And after that I was thinking that I may enter the
seminary or not. But that time it was too early to think of it but when the
time goes by after my graduation in 4th year I decided to had an
entrance examination in the Diocesan Seminary but unfortunately I didn’t have
enough money for the examination, hence that opportunity did not allowed me to
be a diocesan.
I
came to know the Stigmatines because of CSSH sister also because there
spiritual directors were the Stigmatines. They asked me am I willing to enter
the seminary since I was not able to search in the diocese. On that time, many
questions came to my mind, no idea about the seminary. So I said to the “I just
think first sister” since the search-in was not too approaching. But when the
time comes it was already the search-in, sister asked me again but I said that
I don’t have money for fare because the venue was too far. But the sisters
provided us for our fare, that’s why we immediately prepare our things. I and
my friend went to the Novitiate House at Cagayan de Oro City where venue of the
search-in held. Actually our main purpose why we immediately prepared ourselves
to go the Cagayan de Oro so that we could wander all the big malls there
because that was our first time to be in the city.
Before
we went there I asked first permissioned to my mother but she said that no!
Because we don’t have enough money for your fare but I said to her we were
already given by the sisters. And it was a five days search-in in Upper Puerto,
Cagayan de Oro City. We don’t know yet the place, no idea what kind building it
was because that was our first time to come that place. When we reached the
place, it was very nice; other searchers were already playing basketball,
volleyball and badminton. Then we met the novices and Fr. Abel the Novice
Master. We were all 25 participants in different places.
I found the whole activity which was very good
because not only for the delicious food, rewards for the games, outings and etc
but also for the activities that we had just like sharing ones thought, talks
of the speakers, everyday mass and prayer and work. When I was interviewed by
Fr. Abe, he asked me if ever I pass this search-in Am I willing to enter the
seminary? I paused for a moment, I didn’t answer immediately but he added
doesn’t worry if you enter you will not immediately become a priest and he laughs.
And I said that yes Father will try. And he said “good”.
After
that search-in I was always thinking, I was thinking on the place very very far
from our home and I may be far from my family. But I don’t rely only on my own
thought but I asked the guidance of Blessed Virgin Mary to help me in my
decision. That is why when I receive the result it is written there
CONGRATULATION! I am so very happy on that time, so I decided I will enter the
seminary.
So
from now on, I am so very happy that I reach this kind of formation; to be a
Novice Brother here in Thailand. Though a lot of problems, trials, struggles
that I encounter in my seminary formation didn’t cause me to leave the seminary
but instead I makes me strong to overcome all my difficulties and worries of
life. My intercessors why I survive the seminary formation are Mother Mary, St.
Joseph and St. Dominic and most especially to our Almighty God.
Novice Dan Dave Cainoy
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Yolleces Amora
July 30, 1992
(Philippines)
“Be simple”
My Vocation Story
My
vocation story started when I met a diocesan seminarian in our school. He used
to teach there religious songs once a week in the afternoon. One time he asked
all of us, “who wanted to enter the seminary?” I was not so persuaded that time
by them but I raised my hand for a question; I ask them how many years to
become a priest, then I got an answer from him: 10 years minimum. Because of
that event, my classmates were overwhelmed and thought that I will enter in the
seminary. I became self-conscious because they were staring at me. After how
many days, the seminarian invited me to take exam in the diocesan seminary for
three days. I tried and I took the exam together with my two close
friends. I did not take the exam
seriously because I felt that I’m not belong inside. Then I got failed in the
exam. After knowing that, I regret it and I feel that I like to enter the
seminary. I said to myself it’s too late. The feeling of entering inside comes
late. After how many months, one religious congregation, the Rogationist went to
school for vocation purposes. I took the
exam in the school and fortunately I passed. Then those who passed the exam
were invited to take the search-in in their seminary. Unfortunately I cannot go
because we have no money and no one would take me there. I texted the vocation
promoter how to go there but he answered, “Just go there!” I did not enter in
that congregation. Before our graduation our principal called me in her office
and asked me if I want to take the search-in in the Stigmatine congregation. I
grab the opportunity. A day after the graduation I went there together with my
11 friends. There in search-in I finally feel the call of God. O felt inner
happiness and satisfaction that I never felt before. After a week I got the
result and I passed. Three were passed in our place but the one did not go. I
enter the seminary together with the new seminarians from different parts of
the Philippines. We were eleven on that time.
The
first year formation for me is the happiest year because no burden of studies
and we often went out with our teachers (Stigmatine brothers) to visit other
place especially the churches. Almost every year one went out from our batch
until we became five. Now we are novices but one of my Bach mates remains
postulant because his papers are not yet process. Now here in Phuket we are eight;
two Thais and 6 Filipinos. For me it is very challenging to stay in the different
country with different people; but it’s not a problem it is just challenging. I
thank St. Gaspar Bertoni for his intercession that I reach this stage. I always pray to God that he will guide me to
become a religious and better person. What I always ask to God are humility, holiness,
and happiness. Those things would be my guide throughout this novitiate year.
Novice Yolleces Amora
|
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Jestonie Avenido
October 7, 1991
(Philippines)
“Never say never”
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My Vocation Story
I
am Jestonie Olayvar Avenido. I am twenty two years old. I was born on October
7, 1991. I am the second child in the family. I have 5 brothers and 1 sister.
My father’s name is Gallardo Avenido and my mother’s name is Barbara Avenido. And
this is my vocation story….
Originally
our family came from San Fernando Bukidnon in the southern part of the
Philippines. That time on we are still a small family, I my older brother James
and my younger brother Jerson. When I was 5 years old we migrated to Cagayan de
Oro City (our current place now), for the reason that our life in that place is
very hard and the school is far from our house, the distance is rivers and
mountains. One of the reasons why we migrated is because my parents want us to
have a better education.
When
we were young our parents developed unto us the factor of faith in one’s life.
I can say that my parents are very pious. They always bring us to the church
every Sunday; we always pray the rosary, before my father is a lay minister and
my mother is a catechist. When I was grade 3 I already memorize the holy rosary
and its mysteries and sometimes I was the one leading the prayer. We join also
the Flores de mayo every May and the block rosary every October. My parents
developed unto us our faith which becomes the first sign of my vocation.
Our
new community also becomes also the factor of my vocation. The Stigmatine
novitiate house is near in our new place.
There I met many batches of novices; they became our teacher in the
oratory every Sunday. Others are already priest and others also decided to go
out also. In the Stigmatine community I
also serve as an altar boy. And what I said I also join the Oratoryo, later on
became a member of the SYM (stigmatine youth movement). When I was in my 4th
year in High School I already have in my mind of entering the seminary. Because
every time I look the priest celebrating mass, I am always inspired by their
words, that somehow can changed the life of some people. And people of all
places respect and has a great reverence in priest and brothers. Father Abel
was the one who triggers my vocation; he encourages me to enter the seminary.
It
was on the Month of April, 4 days after my graduation in High School that I
joined the Search-in. We are 25 participants in all. We stay in the novitiate
house for 4 days; we eat, play, listens to talks, and took exams of different
kinds. During those days in my life I was so happy and it pushes to be
interested of entering the seminary. After 2 weeks I received a letter from Fr.
Abel it says that I passed the exam. And he is expecting me in the seminary. My
parents are very happy in my decision.
My
life in the seminary is up and down, but I never give up. My study becomes my
burden that I almost give up my vocation. But with the help of my friends,
especial friend, priests and Brothers I did not give up.
Now,
this international novitiate here in Thailand, is also a new challenge for me…
and same as ever I would say to myself “never say never”…
Novice
Jestonie Avenido
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Tweftuesjun Rivera
June 25, 1991
(Philippines)
“Love the Lord your God with all
your heart” Mt. 22:37
|
My Vocation Story
I am
certain that God called each and every person to a life of holiness. In other
words, everyone has vocation a special calling from God. However, it is our
choice to reject or to accept His calling. Our vocation is to become holy but
God called us in different ways. Vocation is like three lanes to heaven and all
we have to do is to choose what road we are going to use in order to reach
heaven.
My
vocation story is not so beautiful compared to others but for me it would be
the most wonderful event that had happened in my life and I will never forget
it because it was that time when God came in to my life. Honestly speaking,
since elementary and high school all I wanted is to become a successful person
so I tried my best to become effective and tried many entrance examinations in
different college schools. My parents were always telling me that I should do
my best so that I may be able to reach my dreams. They taught a lot of things
and about life before going to study. Until one day our principal in high school
announced that there will be a search-in in the seminary and she asked those
who were interested to enter in the seminary should talk to her for the
information etc. I wanted to try the search-in but I doubted because I thought
my parents won’t allow me to go because there was a time when I asked to join
the search-in in the diocesan seminary but they did not allow me to join for
some reasons. But in spite of my doubts I asked them again and I was amazed
because they allow me to join.
During
that time the congregation was not familiar to me and so I went to my principal
and asked her about the congregation but she has also a limited knowledge about
it but she has friends in the congregation like Fr. Cesar, Fr. Max, and Fr.
Marlon and some Italian priests because those priests used to go to our town to
help the children supported by the Stigmatine “Kasambuhay”. After that I
decided to leave immediately because the search-in was in Cagayan de Oro, five
hours away from our town, and when I arrived there I was late I was late
because they started in the morning and I arrived there in the evening so I was
very late but they accepted me still. I met my co-searchers there and Fr. Abel
who was the novice master at that time and from then I learned many things during
the search-in. I was very happy because I had many companions doing works and
many activities and we took the examination together. I’ve never experience
that before, praying together, eating together, playing together etc. after
that we went home and waited for the result of the examination and after two
weeks I received a letter coming from the Stigmatine Congregation which
informed me that I passed the examination and I was very happy about that. My
father told me to choose and to decide what I want but it wasn’t easy for me to
decide but then after a few days I decided to enter in the seminary because at
that time I was thinking that maybe I have something to learn and discover in
the seminary.
My family
gave me their full support and helped me, encouraged me to be strong. After
that I went to manila together with the other seminarians to stay in the
seminary. My first month in the seminary was not so easy because I always
thought about my family and friends and I missed them very much. What I did was
to pray with the Lord and asked Him for guidance so that I may be able to
defeat my loneliness and every bad thing that had happened to me. Since then I
slowly adjusted myself and went on walking. I encountered a lot of difficulties
in the seminary but I was so confident that God will always help me until the
end of time. After my studies in college I was accepted as a postulant and I
continued until we went to Thailand for our novitiate. I should pray to God
that He may strengthen me and help me to nourish my vocation as I continue to
walk together with my brothers and together with Him who gave me life.
Novice Tweftuesjun B. Rivera
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Jessie James Avenido
November 9, 1990
(Philippines)
“Tell always the truth”
|
Dream
Believe Survive
I
am Jessie James Avenido. I’m 23 years of age and I am mature enough to face
trials in life. I believed that everything begins or starts at home. What I
have and what I am now, it is because of my family. They have done a great part
in the history of my vocation. I learned a lot of many good things from my
family especially in giving a fruitful growth of my spiritual life. My vocation
story happens because of them. They always brought me to the church every
Sunday to attend mass. My parents teach me on how to pray and praise God. We
attend mass every Sunday at our small chapel a walking distance away from our
house. This small chapel was organized and managed by the Stigmatine Missionary
Priests in Mindanao. At this present, this small chapel becomes the Stigmatine
Novitiate House in the Philippines. I knew some stigmatine priest since my
childhood. The batches of Fr. Jim at that time are the novices. They are the
one organizing the ministry and giving catechism to the children. I was grade 6
at that time when I start as an altar boy. I served the every Sunday during mass
and I am happy doing it every Sunday.
Truly,
my vocation history begins from simple attraction. Every time I served, I begin
attracted to the vestment of the priest especially the white sotana and stola.
I’m always dreaming to wear also that vestment. I’m telling and give hope to
myself that maybe time will come also for me to wear that vestment. At that
young age, I tell to my parents that I want to become a priest but they only
laugh. I don’t know why but maybe it’s because they were surprise for that. They
said that they will support me.
I
am second year high school at that time when I stop serving as an altar boy
because I transferred school into the city. Because our house is from the city I
stayed in the house of my aunt until I graduate high school. I visit only my
parents once a month. During those years
of away from home I already forgot my dream to become a priest. I become a
simple school boy that dreaming to finish college and go for work. Because of
many influences I become lazy to attend mass every Sunday. I experience many
challenges in life without parents and even my spiritual life become so weak.
After
high school I go back home. My mother brought me back again to the church and I
met the Stigmatine priest again. It was summer vacation at that time and I
already starting my vocational course. It happens that there is a search-in and
one priest invited me to attend the search-in. I don’t know what to do because
that time also I already started attending summer classes for vocational
course. This class will cover only for two months and after that we will be
given a certificate and they will be the one to give us a job. I don’t know
what to choose; to attend search-in or finish this vocational course. I prayed
and help to God, I follow my heart and attend search-in.
June
8, 2008 was my first day in seminary. And now I am very thankful to God for
giving me a spirit to continue and survive from many trials. I am now a newly
accepted novice in this congregation. But during my formation years as an
aspirant I encounter a lot of trials but abundant of happy experience. I always
believe that those who dream will survive with the guidance of God.
Novice
Jessie James Avenido
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Nattawut Michael Busabok
September 30, 1990
(Thailand)
“You will never walk alone”
|
My Vocation
I am Nattawut Busabok, raised in a
Catholic family. My grandmother is my first teacher in catechism. She taught me
everything about Catholic prayers, practices, faith, etc. Every Sunday and
Saturday evening, she always invites me to join the mass celebration. Our
church is not far away from our house, just 5-10 minutes walking distance. And
so, we just walk going to the church.
During the mass, I always sing and later
became an altar boy. There was a time that I found the priest very attracting
and I thought that I want to enter the seminary. On that time I don’t know yet if
I will enter in the diocese, Stigmatine, or other religious congregation.
Nonetheless, I chose the Stigmatine minor seminary in 2004.
Before I enter the seminary I already knew
how to play organ, guitar and sing, and these were some of my inspirations all
throughout my seminary life. I also enjoyed seminary experiences with my
friends and of so many activities. I have been ten years in the seminary
formation both minor and major.
And I am now a novice, still
continuing my vocation journey. There are so many kinds of calling but this
vocation really attracts me. Hence, I thank God for this wonderful gift that He
gave me: the gift of priestly vocation.
Novice Nattawut Michael Busabok
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Jerome Hermosada
August 23, 1989
(Philippines)
“You have not chosen me, but I
have chosen you.” Jn. 15:16
|
He Knows
Before St. Augustine
became a priest he was then a philosophical enemy of The Church. St. Paul was
then a murderer of Christians. Constantine was a pagan political adversary of
the Church before he was baptized. And I – a nobody in the Church history –
have in common with their lives.
It is very hard to
accept that these men were changed into noble persons. Despite their
unworthiness, they became exemplars. Only God knows how these things happened.
And from their life experienced, there is some kind of similarity that my
vocation story would like to tell.
I became an altar boy
when I was at my primary and secondary school. But the desire to become a
priest has not yet found. Nevertheless, I was really attracted with the
priest’s vestments and feel cool when I was with him going to different places
saying mass.
I finished high school,
and then decided to go for college. But the turning point came when there was a
summer youth camp held in our town. And the facilitators of the activity were the
Stigmatine seminarians. I was really admiring them; that time, because they
were popular and attractive (especially for the girls). Another thing is that,
I like their basketball jerseys. And luckily one of the seminarians invited me
to join the search-in (entrance exam) in Cagayan de Oro City (Mindanao).
Further, as my heart
was flaming on that time I didn’t hesitate and say yes. And so, I join the
search-in and then passed the exam. When I came to know the result, I decided
to enter the seminary just for one year. When I was done with my first year, I
decided again to add one more year, and again another year and so on and so
forth, and suddenly I come to Novitiate.
I remember one of our
former formator shared to us about signs. And on that time I always include in
my prayers the petition for signs if I am really for hear or for somewhere.
Then, I was struck by what Fr. Jojo shared to us. He said that our presence in
the seminary is already a sign that we are called. For so many young persons outside
the seminary we are chosen to fallow Him. Hence, t said in silence “thanks be
to God.”
So many troubles came
to my life that brought me to decide to quit, but there is this some kind of
force that continually pulled me back in this kind of life. And recently I
discovered something in myself, that is, that I want to be with the youth. This
will help me to imitate the founder and motivates my interest and concern for
the congregation.
Can
a person who is an enemy of the Church become its friend? I doubt. Can a person
who know nothing but basketball and eat become a priest? I doubt. But I believe
that no one is born a priest. And so I always pray to God, asking for His grace
to permanently bestow on me so that I could always say YES to His call until the
last of my breath.
Novice Jerome Hermosada
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