Let Your Will Be Done

On September 28-29, 2024, I joined the Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate holding a Vocation Jamboree at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary in Catalunan Grande, which was spearheaded by the Commission on Vocation in the Archdiocese of Davao. At that time, I had little idea of what I was getting into—perhaps I joined just for the experience, like any other youth might do. During the event’s creative talk, Sr. Dianne Therese Galapate, PDDM, shared her inspiring story, discussing the difference between a vocation and a calling. She revealed that becoming a nun was never part of her dreams; she felt a deep longing, a sense of something missing in her life, which led her to explore the path of religious life by entering the convent.

Her story resonated deeply with me, particularly as I was grappling with my own doubts about my chosen path in life. I found myself constantly asking, “Is nursing really for me?” While preparing for a return demonstration, these doubts flooded my mind, filled with fear that I might not succeed. I had never envisioned myself as a student nurse. During my teenage years, I always aspired to become a teacher, specifically working with children who have special needs. Children have always held a special place in my heart, and I’ve had a strong desire to teach and care for them. But people around me, seeing my dedication to serving others and my love for the community, encouraged me to pursue nursing instead, believing that it was fit for me.

There were many sleepless nights when I questioned whether I should continue my involvement with the parish and GKK as a youth leader or if I should just focus on college and my nursing career. I was filled with uncertainty about my future when I was in the 12th grade, trying to decide whether to enroll in nursing or follow my passion for teaching.

Sr. Dianne’s story continued to resonate with me as she recounted how, after becoming an accountant, she finally realized that God had been calling her to the vocation of religious life all along. Despite facing obstacles and moments of doubt, she found herself on the path that God has chosen for her. She described the overwhelming sense of fulfillment after entering the convent, as though she had found the missing piece in her life. Her words reminded me of my own journey. As soon as I began nursing school, I noticed that during community service or outreach programs, especially those involving children, my professors would often single me out for “special tasks”. They believed I had a natural ability to engage with and guide kids, which felt like a confirmation of my true calling.

It was during one of those moments that I paused and reflected, realizing that I too had found a piece of the puzzle I had been searching for. However, this realization didn’t come without its struggles. There were many times when I cried, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of nursing school. People saw my dedication, but only my closest friends knew the full extent of the tears I shed over low grades and self-doubt. Yet, every time I felt like giving up, I would return to my books and study materials, pushing forward with a sense of purpose, even if it was clouded by uncertainty. I realized that while I might have been ‘faithfully hopeless,’ God’s love sustained me, especially during the toughest times. And on September 10, 2024, His grace came into full circle when I became one of His ‘Angels of the Sick Room,’ officially recognized as a student nurse.

The words of Rev. Fr. Ronald Arcillas, the Director of the Archdiocesan Commission on Vocation, echoed in my heart throughout the jamboree. He said, “Ang taong naay buot, dili ga buot-buot kay ang Ginoo ra ang makabuot,” reminding me that God’s will prevails over all human plans. After the jamboree, I reflected deeply and prayed, “Okay, God, I will not leave my role as Your youth servant in San Pablo Parish Youth Apostolate, nor will I change my course of study. But please, take the lead. Be the commander and pilot of this uncertain path I am on. Guide me through the unfamiliar, and let Your will be done.”

At that moment, I found peace in accepting God’s plan for me, even if it didn’t align with my original expectations. The journey was difficult, but I realized that, like Sr. Dianne, sometimes the most profound callings come when we least expect them. (Sophia Beatrice V. Sison, San Pablo Youth Apostolate | Photos: St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao FB)