Recalling God’s Call to Serve

Last December 5, 2009, the chapel volunteers and some friends of Fr. Tex joined him as he recalled and celebrated his 11th sacerdotal anniversary. The day started with an early morning thanksgiving Mass.

“The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few”. This passage comes to mind as one considers the vocation story of Fr. Tex.  He belonged to a seminary batch of 28 but only three made it to ordination. And now he is the lone ‘survivor’. According to Fr. Tex, there are four reasons which sustain him in his priestly life: First, is the Eucharist. “As long as I find meaning in celebrating the Holy Eucharist and encountering Jesus in the Eucharist, I will remain a priest,” he says. Second is the support of his family and some committed individuals who continuously pray for his perseverance and meaningful life. Third is the love and support of the religious community where he belongs. Fourth is the sick to which he has offered his life.  Fr. Tex added that “I got ordained not because I am worthy but because of God’s grace of love that made me say yes to Him. I believe discipleship is not about worthiness; it’s about the willingness to follow the Lord in spite of our imperfections.”

Lunch was prepared by the chapel staff for some guests.  In the evening, the Divine Healer Choir and some members of the Miraculous Medal Community gave Fr. Tex a surprise program and dinner at the chaplaincy office.  It was indeed a great day for Fr. Tex. Aside from enjoying the unexpected whole day celebration, he was also busy responding to sick calls and decorating the chapel with the choir.

On December 8, during the noon Mass, Fr. Tex and Fr. Wilson, made their devotional renewal of vows in the presence of the faithful.  It was also the 2nd sacerdotal anniversary of Fr. Wilson.

The following day was Fr. Wilson’s birthday.  Fr. Tex prepared a dinner for him in their residence. The timely arrival of Fr.Ivo Anselmi, M.I. and other confreres added joy to the celebration. The Divine Healer Choir entertained the guests with their Christmas carols.

On December 11, Fr. Tex, together with the Divine Healer Choir and some members of the Miraculous Medal Community, went to Kitaotao, Bukidnon to attend the priestly ordination of Fr. Marven Ruyeras, M.I. It was indeed a wonderful experience for the group to witness the celebration. Let us continuously pray for more vocations and more good and faithful priests.