LIVING A life of holiness must be normalized and not regarded as “unnatural,” an official from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said in a Mass during the UST Theological Society’s Vocation Jamboree at Plaza Mayor on Wednesday, March 25.
Fr. Randy de Jesus, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Vocations, said aspiring to be holy and doing acts of holiness should be “natural” for children of God.
“Gawin nating natural ang pagpapakabanal. Ang kaiba ay ang hindi namumuhay sa mabuti, tama at maayos na buhay. God continues to call us in many ways. But the question is, are we ready to respond?” De Jesus said in his homily.
Reflecting on St. Thomas Aquinas’s saying, “The things that we love tell us what we are,” the priest said Thomasians must surround themselves with classmates and friends who would truly lead them toward holiness.
“Deepen our relationship with God through a life of prayer. Reflect on the Word of God. Bleed out love for God and love for others. In these ways, we will see that holiness is not far from us; it is found in our daily lives,” he added.
The vocations commission secretary also urged vocation promoters to guide and accompany youth in discerning and recognizing their own vocations.
“When this guidance is present, we begin to see how vocation unfolds in different ways. A child grows in awareness of God; a young person understands the sacrament of marriage; some are drawn to the priesthood; and others leave their vocation for marriage. We must foster a shared understanding that the Lord calls all of us,” De Jesus said.
‘Come and see’
A member of the Dominican Sisters of the Holy Rosary of Pompeii invited young women to enter the religious life to “just come and see.”
“Just experience our life in the convent. It’s free. You are all free to come. Do not be afraid, as Jesus asked us. If we invite them now, different ang kanilang nakikita dito sa labas. Ang kailangan niya ay ang i-experience ang nasa loob,” Sr. Juliet Duites, vocation director of the congregation, said in an interview with the Varsitarian.
A prayerful life will be beneficial for youth today, especially amid the world’s distractions, she said.
“That is what we should pray for: to increase our faith, not just focus on the outside aspects of our lives and this modern world. We need to pray more for the youth. You must include yourself, your life, and your individual prayer life,” Duites said.
‘Desire, capacity, grace’
A friar from the Dominican Province of the Philippines said answering the call of religious life is a combination of desire, capacity to serve, and ultimately, the grace of God.
“Lahat naman tayo, we have a desire for something else. But the desire to seek a religious life is the highest calling for us,” Bro. Jhim Sembrano, O.P., told the Varsitarian.
Capacity and ability to serve are also important in the process of discernment, he said.
“May kakayahan ba tayong ibigay ‘yung ating sarili, talent, time and treasure? Ano ba ‘yung kaya nating ibigay para sa iba at para sa Diyos?” he added.
Sembrano said the most important among the three is the ‘grace of God.”
“All of us are receiving his grace. Lahat tayo ay pinagkalooban ng grasya. It is not possible na hindi niya tayo tinatawag. It’s impossible na hindi tayo pwedeng tumugon,” he said.
‘All lead to holiness’
A sister from the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master (PDDM) emphasized that vocation is not only about priestly and religious life tracks, but also about marriage and single blessedness.
“Ito ang dini-discern ng bawat tao. Kung saan doon, anong path ang tatahakin, all these vocations are leading to one path—holiness,” Sr. Janice Golec said in an interview.
The head of the PDDM vocation ministry added that the highlight of her religious life is answering God’s call to serve.
“When I said my final ‘yes’ to Jesus during my perpetual profession. We say ‘yes’ every day. But at that time, the final ‘yes’ means I will be offering my life—my whole life, a lifetime for God. This is the most fulfilling,” Sr. Jessiebel Maata said.
The Vocation Jamboree 2026 brought together 39 religious congregations and communities from across the country. With reports from Danielle D. Atienza
