Inspired by Pope Francis, more and more young Filipinos choose consecrated life
Manila (AsiaNews / CBCP) - Since Pope Francis apostolic visit to the Philippines, an increasing number of young men and women are turning to vocational centers saying that they have been inspired by the words and gestures of the Pope.
Rather than the priesthood, nost seek information about consecrated life, male and female. This is confirmed by Edwin Dio Despabiladeras, vocational coordinator of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, district north of Parañaque, in the region of Metro Manila.
In recent months, he explains, there has been an increasing number of people, especially young professionals, who leave the office to start an inner journey that leads to "the seminary, convent or monastery."
"We can not deny - says the Catholic leader - that the recent visit of Pope Francis [the Philippines is the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia, ed] is the cause of this sudden increase in the number of people who want to explore their vocation ".
However, Despabiladeras adds, although the increase of interest is a good all request have to be carefully considered whether they are "real vocations" or a momentary whim. “Of course, we cannot discount the fact that some of the prospective applicants are just overwhelmed by their love and admiration for the Holy Father, seeing how he effectively gives witness to the Good News,” he explained.
In addition to following these centers, Despabiladeras regularly visits schools of Luzon in order to " “I wouldn’t call it recruitment. Recruitment has acquired such a negative connotation these days. Anyway, we never try to sell ourselves too much. This is just our way of giving the youth an idea that there is an alternative to the kind of life they have been used to. If they don’t want it, it’s OK. If they do, so much the better".
His words are confirmed by Fr. Hernando Coronel, rector of the Seminary of St. Charles, who also reports a link between the increase in people inquiring about formation and the Pope's visit. This year, says the priest, there was an increase of 13% of the people enrolled in courses in philosophy and theology. "We are happy with the fervor expressed by the people - he adds - and the increase in vocations. Now we must focus on the perseverance of the students and the quality of their commitment. "
For Brother Nestor Limqueco, professor and professed member of the Company of St. Dominic (CSD), promoting vocation is not the exclusive job of the few.“Let us not leave the task of promoting vocations to our clergy and religious alone. As members of the Church, we [laity] are also called upon to support them in this area. Each one of us, parents and teachers, most especially, should express cooperation by motivating young minds to enter the priestly and consecrated lives,” he stated.
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