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Greetings, brothers and sisters!
I am Regie Bastasa Lape, a propaedeutic seminarian of the Scalabrinian congregation. I am 20 years old. I come from Mabini, Davao De Oro. In this sharing, I would like to share with you my little journey in my first year in the Seminary.
When I arrived at the Scalabrini Formation Center in Manila, it was the best experience of my life. At the same time, I encountered my first struggle. I felt a sense of fear because my fellow brothers in the house always spoke English. At that time, I did not understand much English. So, I initially remained silent. Sometimes when Vietnamese brothers communicate with me in English, I could not respond appropriately. This prompted me to push myself to learn more about English.
Determining to overcome this barrier of language and to pursue my goal to follow Jesus, I immersed myself in studying. I woke waking up at 4:00 am daily to study English. Before I studied, I used to ask the Lord to help and guide me. After a few months, I was surprised to see the results. I could understand better in reading and speaking. I am more confident in dialogue with my fellow brothers in English.
With this experience, I realize that for a beginner like me, in the seminary, everything is new. There are new things to learn. Yet there are many challenges to encounter, such as discipline and self-management in the daily schedule in the Seminary. That is why I could see the importance of undergoing the Propaedeutic Year, a formation program that helps me to form myself to become better. Especially, this is a good time for me to discern my vocation with God.
Hence, life is a journey. Sometimes, we encounter challenges in this journey. But, for me, we need these challenges to become stronger, especially in our vocation and faith. Occasionally, we face difficulties, particularly in our studies, but we must confront them with the help of God. Constant communication with God is essential in our journey of vocation because God is always with us to assist us in the ups and downs of life. Therefore, dear friends, I would like to invite you to join our congregation if you feel that God is calling you to serve migrants, refugees, and seafarers. Come and do not be afraid to answer the call of Jesus Christ in your life.
Seminarian: Regie Bastasa Lape