Author: Sem. Gun Real Omega
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In this most challenging world, life of a person became more complicated. There are so many curve ways and road bends that human being experience. It makes them weaker in terms of dealing life to the extent. Furthermore, man’s faith is also being affected. It tends man to fall from the brink of doubts and fears. It results man to experience great misfortune.
In the pace of modern living as quoted to be challenging, faith is required. It is in faith man becomes stronger, determined, and goal-fighter. It is man weapon against the warriors of darkness. It gives them the strength to walk continually in the aisles of thorns, believing that ahead of it awaits the sweetest and relaxing scent of roses.
Looking back in my high school days, I experienced a lot of tribulations which measured my faith to God. One of those unforgettable experiences was when I joined the most prestigious competition in the province, the search for “The Outstanding Students of Surigao 2005.” Thirty witty challengers from the most competent high schools in Surigao del Norte joined the said competition. I felt nothingness against them. I began to underestimate my self.
When my name was called to be interviewed by a panel of jurors, at first I felt nervous. My hands were shaken and it seemed my body was freezing in a 0 degree Celsius. My heart beats faster and faster. Before my last 3 steps towards the entrance hall of San Sebastian College of Law, where the interview and talent presentation took place, my mom came wearing an inspiring smile which was really inspired me. She uttered a simple but soul-touching message, “have faith…You can do it son…” Those words injected willfully in my mind like a vaccine. Then, my 0 degree Celsius body temperature began to increase and reached to the boiling point of level.
I was in my confident zone at that moment. I took my last 3 steps with a big and tantalizing smile and a thought of giving my very best as if it was my last day on earth. Presto! I did it. After a week I received a letter from the Phil. JYCEES, who sponsored the competition, telling me my great victory. I won!!!
My greatest victory, however, is not winning the TOSS, but gaining the most priceless award in the universe that only one in a million could ever receive the “FAITH.”
Words of Wisdom:
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Faith is a kind of knowing; it is different from hope. My faith is that life is purposeful; of that I’m sure. There is a God, there is intelligence, there is consciousness. And behind all of this, there is incredible compassion.” -John denver-
Mr. MMCS 2007
Left to right: Emmanuel Bernadez, third runner up; Paul Angielo Baluya, second runner up; Gun Real Omega, Mr. MMCS 2007 and Ralph Esma, First runner up.
Posted in Gun Real Omega, • Journeys | 2 Comments »
Posted by maradjao magbalantay on 5th May 2007
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Let may share with you a brief but soul-touching history of the most challenging part of the life of St. Luke Class…Check this out….Before this class started to form, almost hundred young dreamers dreamed to be part of this most blissful batch [not boastfully speaking].
They started in a written examination and then reached to the most sweat-welling and nerve-bouncing part of their lives, the interview. After those pressured moments only 15 passed and were given the chance to enter the seminary, unfortunately, out of those 15 lucky hopefuls only 13 entered the gate to priesthood. I was really surprised upon knowing, that from almost 100 young dreamers who took the examinations, only few passed. Well, it proves only how factual the scripture that says, “Many are called but few are chosen.” When we, the remaining 13 began to explore and lived the life of a seminarian, we encountered different experiences which were new to us, like waking up early in the morning [5:30 am] everyday, which I never did before, attending mass everyday, and may more.
Furthermore, from the start it was really difficult for us to adjust and be familiar with the “structured” life like this. However, because of our sessions every afternoon during our pre-college year, we gradually overcome these obstacles and began to live normally without any fear. After a month of living in the seminary we were shocked upon witnessing our brother brought his bags and walked out the gate and leaved the seminary, which we never expected to happen. All of us felt worry not only for him but also for ourselves, thinking that maybe the next day, one of us will also bring bags and leave the seminary. But, despite of the fear we felt, each of us still have the conviction to continue our journey.
After the first semester, we experienced another “tragic” incident, when one of our brothers was sent out. Our world at that time was in the mode of grief. We started to build an “intimate” relationship as brothers but because of what happened we were helpless. During our second semester, only eleven (11) left and we were so bliss because after this meaningful semester none of us were sent out.
In our second academic year, we were so happy seeing each other with a colorful smile, sharing our experiences in our fruitful exposure and summer vacation. However, as we stare each other, only one picture that silently come in our minds-the faces of our two brothers who left. It was really awful. After this semester, another strong tempest that smashed our batch, it was not only made us shaken but it destroyed one of the foundations that we built. Three of our most cherished brothers leaved the seminary not because of questionable vocation but only because of financial problem. We were all affected. It was really painful. It is like cutting one of your body parts without anesthesia, can you imagine it? Well, it only shows how vocation is a mystery in itself. Even how many walls we will build to protect our batch there is always a destructible bomb that will destroy it. Now we are only eight, but still holding our hands and standing together firmly, making another strong foundation to replace the fractured one.
Saint Luke Class 2006
In spite of the dreadful storms that ruined us, we still have the willingness to respond to God’s invitation. On the other hand, because of these experiences we are now stronger than before and we are now well-prepared in facing our journey through rivers that at times would seem headed to uncertainty. With the help of our Formators, family and friends and guided by a strong faith, however, that journey always leads to a deeper appreciation of vocation.
To date, we [the remaining 8] strive to fulfill our dream to serve God and His people. Even we were wounded; we will continue in following Him. We are now in the most perplexing part of our journey towards priesthood.
On behalf of our batch mates, we express our endless thanks to all the people who have been part of our journey towards priesthood. We are hoping that they will continue supporting us in finishing our life-written novel of vocation and hoping that it will be ended with Christ.
