Ethereal. That was my impression as I traveled for long hours through the winding roads and the highest elevation of the Philippine Highway System in Benguet up to the Mt. Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Central Luzon.

Gregorian chants were playing in my mp3 while brisk air was brushing against my skin; birds were taking pleasure in their freedom over rice and vegetable terraces; waters were freely gushing forth down the waterfalls on distant mountains, and dense fog was kissing the pine trees, rocks and grasses embellishing the ragged mountaintops.

How beautiful life is! For a “net-caster” like me, priceless and consoling experiences just keep on cascading at my side. But before that, thank God, I let myself be caught by the Camillian fishing net.

Here are some other reflections by my fellow “net-casters” in the Camillian fishing industry which went sailing last 20-31 October 2008:

Although the sense of adventure was absent, I was excited to go back to the place where I grew up and where my vocation started to develop.

As I was promoting vocations in Davao, I was also led to reflect and deepen my vocation. Indeed, I was not certain that someone among the hundreds of students I encountered will enter our seminary . However, the experience of sharing with the youth my journey in responding to God’s call was incomparable.

Truly, there’s no place like home. Thanks to all the people who accommodated me, gave me direction and shared life-stories with me, especially Fr. Tex, my relatives and friends.

—Sch. Brian Vincent Q. Rances, MI
Archdiocese of Davao and Diocese of  Tagum, Davao del Norte

 

Going back to Bukidnon was like journeying back to my olden days in that familiar place.  Before, I used to drop by Bukidnon to enjoy the company of my fellow Camillian seminarians. That was usually a prelude to my memorable vacations.

Last October, my going back to the place reminded me of those unforgettable memories. Though this time, my experiences were much more Camillian-flavored. Man, I was so fascinated by how God’s grace works – how He let me be in that same old place called Bukidnon but now with a new mission: to fish for young men for the Kingdom, to look for laborers in His great harvest.

Wow, what an experience!

Mission Bukidnon, mission accomplished!

—Sch. Edgar M. Tuballa I, MI
Diocese of Malaybalay, Bukidnon

 

It was an experience of returning and moving forward. Returning to the roots of my own vocation – my own Galilee, and moving forward and continuing my travel in this road of meaning. Every time I talked about vocation and shared my own experience, I became more aware of the abundant blessings in my life. As I trudged through the dusty roads of Masbate, I was reminded of my own trudging in being a Camillian. It was a journey not to be seen as a difficulty, but as a challenge and inspiration to have a deeper relationship with God and the community.

Thanks to Bp. Joel and the members of the clergy of the diocese for their warm accommodation and support.

—Sch. Dan V. Cancino, Jr., MI
Diocese of Masbate and Diocese of San Fernando, La Union

 

To promote the religious vocation especially among the young ones entailed a certain hold and firmness with regard to what my sharing with them was all about. In trying to stimulate their inclination toward a particular vocation, I was also led to see myself internally. Was I convinced enough of the words and message I conveyed to them? Did it ring a bell in their hearts?

Thanks to the sisters and fathers who welcomingly provided my accommodation.

—Sch. Michael P. Jaya, MI
Archdiocese of Ozamiz andDiocese of Iligan