From August 27 to September 28, 2012, the Archdiocese of Zamboanga celebrated the Vocation month. In solidarity with the Local Church, our community and all our ministries and apostolate joined in the celebration of the Vocation Month in the Archdiocese.

We desire to foster some level of awareness to all our Spinola family and to all those whom we came in contact with the value of searching, listening, discerning and doing the Will of God in their life. But more importantly, to foster a level of awareness especially to our young that there is such a time in their life that they have to make a choice and a decision, that is, whether they will decide to marry and have a family of their own, to remain single and serve others and to be a religious or priest. All these state of life are beautiful. It is a matter of finding where God wants them to be. We joined also in the different organized activities at Archdiocesan level such as: the launching and closing mass with exhibit of posters, tarpaulins and other vocation materials; we had the poster posting to all parishes and some schools of the Archdiocese. Also we have the schedule symposia and vocation gathering throughout the whole month in some schools. It was in some way good, but also in some other aspects, we saw that we have to improve.

The following as some of the experiences and reflection of our young who actively participated in this month long celebration:

Hindi ko akalain na ako'y magkakaroon ng isang napakagandang karanasan nang kami ay nagkakaroon ng "Lunch Together with the Sisters", sapagkat ako ay hinihimok na makinig nang makinig sa kanilang  iba't ibang karanasan sa buhay. Iyon ang pinakauna kong karanasan sa aking buhay na naramdaman ko ang  kakaibang luwag ng damdamin, na para bang may pumupukaw sa akin na isang napakabait at mapagmahal na nilalang. Naisip ko tuloy na  para bang  nakita ko sa aking  harapan si Hesus at Mama Mary… Napakasaya  ko doon dahil naramdaman kong totoong  pinagpala ako ng Maykapal.    ~Charlyn Blando, BSE III, ADZU

I feel glad and satisfied with the vocation week in WMSU…as if I am also a seminarian joining in the room to room campaign and I was able to take time to talk to my co- students my own impression and observation on how life is in the seminary. During the Vocation symposium held in WMSU, among the sharing, what struck me was the life of a single blessed person, for it takes an inspiration to be strong in life and to face challenges yet, she survived and still at this time single and dedicated and God fearing. Happiness indeed is a choice and happiness is for freedom. We may be called in different way; however, we have only one goal that is to serve and thank the Creator. We might have everything in life, however, happiness is priceless. Be opened to God’s call…and be inspired by His Words and try to answer it by text, pm, fb, ym, rappler, mail, phone and the most importantly answer it by your PRAYER of thanks and good deeds.
 ~Carlito Brazil Gemina, BSE IV, WMSU

The symposium I attended was really great because from that time on I felt moved to allow God to intervene my life especially in all the decisions I have to make. Since the symposium was about Vocation, it really helped me to ask the grace from God to let me know where am I going and what vocation am I really for. For now, I am waiting for God’s go signal, but for the meantime I have to pray and learn to listen to Him.    ~Jennifer Bonifacio, BSE III, WMSU