It was because of YFC, andlater on, SFC, that Jun-G decidedto become a fulltime pastoral worker for the youth. One of his mission assignments includeda two-week long mission trip to East Timor (Timor Leste). It was there where he first felt God’s calling to the priesthood. Originally desirous of being a diocesan priest because hewanted to be able to serve where his family was, he eventually discovered the Society of Jesus. He attended their vocation seminar, became active in their vocation direction program, and finally entered their candidacy program. After going through the process of discernment in the candidacy program, he ap-plied and was accepted into the Society of Jesus. Jun-G’s decision to become a Jesuit came as a sweet surprise to his parents. In fact, it was an answered prayer. In the end, the family that had caused him much pain and suffering as a child ended up becoming a source of strength and support for his vocation! Jun-G advises the youth who are discerning their vocation to “Nurture your desire and actively find opportunities that can keep alive the desire for religious life. If the desire continues to flourish, it is a sign that you are called to religious life. Pray about it a lot and cultivate that personal relationship with God for it is only in the sacred space of prayer that His voice becomes clear, and His courage is found. And finally, just say YES.”
Felipe B. Yohan, Jr., also known as Philip or Flip to his friends and family, was born on April 26, 1970 in Pasay City, the youngest of three children, and the only son. Growing up in a simple household, Flip recall show his parents put up a small sari-sari store business, which his mother would manage, while his father worked as a room boy in a small hotel in Libertad. During weekends the family would go to Derham Park in Pasay, and Sunday mornings were always spent attending mass in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Shrine in Baclaran. His parents always insisted on praying the rosary together as a family at 6o’clock every day, and taught their children how to pray right from the start. Discipline and diligence were traits instilled in Flip at a young age, shown by the fact that he and his sisters were not allowed to watch TV in the evening during weekdays, and were trained to help out in household chores. All in all, Flip considers his childhood to have been a happy one, although priesthood never entered his mind then. Back then, Flip thought of Jesus as being more like a super-hero, though he had the sense that He was more than that. Flip came to know Jesus in a deeper, more personal way when he joined CFC Singles for Christ in1988, when he was working as an architect in Brunei Darussalam. Looking back, Flip believes that it was providential that he was able to join a very supportive community like CFC. He says that it was in the context of living in community that he was able to discern his vocation. Through the CFC community Flip was able to recognize God, who is ever personal, present and involved in our lives.
When the thought of entering religious life came to Flip, he realized that it was not the kind of decision one can make overnight, so he decided to ask around about it. He read books about vocation and spirituality in general, talked to his elders in CFC, and also sought the advice of the priests around him. He found time to know himself and to have a dialogue with others. He prayed a lot. He looked at the status of his life with regard to his career, the activities he was doing, his relationships with others, the community, and his family. He weighed the pros and cons. Ironically, Flip says that it was at the happiest point in his life that he decided to ‘leave everything behind’ and respond to the call of entering religious life. However, just thinking abou this decision gave him consolation and peace.
For those who may be discerning about their vocation in life, Flip suggests attending Mass regularly, even “when you feel bored and lazy to go.” He believes that it is through the Eucharist where one can really sense and embrace one’s vocation in life. This is one of the important dialogues one should engage in when discern-ing for a vocation. He also says one should talk to people – your parish priest, the elders in your community (if you’re part of one) or somebody who is close to you, and vocation directors. If possible, seek spiritual direction, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Jun-G and Flip are both 2nd Year Philosophers, and belong to the Jesuit Philosophers Sub-Community. They are only two of 15 Jesuits (and would-be Jesuits) who come from the CFC family. The others are:
Fr. Javy Alpasa, SJ – President of Loyola College of Culion, from SFC Makati
Manny Amanense, SJ – 1st Year Theologian, from SFC Cebu City
Eric Escandor, SJ – 1st Year Theologian, from YFC IliganCity
JR Orbeta, SJ – 1st Year Theologian, from YFC/SFC Cebu City
Neo Saicon, SJ – 1st Year Theologian, from YFC/SFC Cagayan de Oro City
Rico Adapon, SJ – 2nd Year Regent, from SFC Batangas
Arnel Ong, SJ – 2nd Year Regent, from SFC Davao City
Ro Atilano, SJ – 2nd Year Philosopher, from YFC/SFC Zamboanga City
Tootsie delos Santos, SJ – 1st Year Philosopher, from YFC Naga City
Kim Buñag, nSJ – 1st Year Novice, from YFC Ateneo de Manila
Marlon Fabros, nSJ – 1st Year Novice, from YFC UP Diliman
Ed Colminares – Candidate, YFC Ateneo de Manila
Mark Medrano – Candidate,YFC Iligan City
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