LCENWRD MAGAZINE

GOD'S CALLING MAGAZINE 2022 / 07

EDITORIAL BOARD TITLE 2022 / 07 Jan Alvaran Julian Constantino Isabella Dee Patia Dimagiba Andrea Tampipeg Anton Villanueva

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 Message from Editors 05 Religious Vocation 10 Marriage Vocation 18 Single Blessedness Vocation 24 Reflection Page 31 Entertainment 32 Puzzle Game 33 Word Board 34 Songs

Message from the Editors The magazine presents the three beautiful stories of a nun, a married couple, and a blessed person who decided to live life as a single person. The authors have decided to showcase these individuals who have chosen to walk and live different lives. As we go on and breakthrough the-J various perspectives, experiences, and circumstances to these people, it will view and strengthen our understanding of God’s calling and vocation desired for us. It will make an impact to our perception in life, to other people, and to our belief towards Him. - Julian & Anton From Editors | Page 4

PAGE 4 RELIGIOUS VOCATION A divine call to the religious life Religious Vocations | Page 5

PAGE 5 Sr. Kim Patricia Habana Missionary Sisters of Providence Could you tell us about What made you decide to Interviewed by: yourself (age, vocation, etc.)? enter into this vocation? Jan Christian Alvaran My name is Sr. Kim Patricia T. I believe God chose me for this Michel Van Tampipeg Habana. I am the eldest in the path and this is His plan. family. I am a religious sister, Honestly, I have my own plans \"God does from Missionary Sisters of and though I have a “desire” not choose Providence or MSP. It is a to enter into this vocation, I the worthy. Taiwan based congregation always put it to my last He chooses but we have working stations priority because I wanted to do the willing\" or convents in China, so much like earn money (get Philippines and Vietnam. I am rich!), experience having a Religious Vocations | Page 6 presently based in Taiwan and relationship, travel with family working here as a missionary. and friends, etc. BUT God has Our congregation’s charism is different plans for me and it is on education, hospitals and always better than my own parishes. plans.

PAGE Religious Vocation Mission | Purpose | Calling Was there ever a time that made you doubt whether you should serve the Lord? I think more on cultural differences like language (our main language is Mandarin), background (from different countries) and points of view (majority are old already). But I believe that in every community or group there will always be challenges and I feel like this will make you better as a person. Also, this will make you realize if you are really for this vocation, if you can overcome these challenges (of course, with God’s guidance and graces). What specific event made you realize that you wanted to serve the Lord? Maybe it was when I attended our college graduation retreat. That was when I decided that I wanted to serve Him more. Did you know? Was there ever a time that made you doubt whether you should serve the Lord? In order to be a Catholic priest, you must fulfill a number of requirements set forth by None, because my faith in the Lord the Church. You must have a love for Christ remains unbreakable. The key to a and the Church, possess strong moral stronger relationship with God lies character, be a male and be psychologically within our ability to remain faithful and prepared to enter into a lifelong commitment. that we should trust everything in him, even things or situations that seem uncontrollable. When did you feel that God is calling you to that kind of life? I think I was already in college when I felt God’s call. Religious Vocations | Page 7

PAGE 5 What are the blessings of religious life/sisterhood? I think it’s the simple joys and inner peace are some of the blessings of religious life. There are so much more in religious life that one should experience it personally, emphasizing the spiritually rich ambiance in churches and to satisfy our desires of being in service for other people. What advice can you give to people who are still deciding whether to serve the Lord or not? When you feel that God is calling you… Do not be afraid to answer God’s call! Do not delay, take that leap of Faith! Because life of Him will always be better! It seems scary at first but one must trust or have faith in his guidance and holiness. What advice can you give to a married couple? Being married is also a vocation and so treasure and cherish each other. Always put God at the center of your relationship. Pray together. Love each other’s flaws. Religious Vocations | Page 8

Religious Vocation | Page 9

MARRIAGE VOCATION Each other's support system Marriage Vocation | Page 10

MARRIAGE VOCATION Tell us something about yourselves. Interviewed by: Anton Villanueva Julian Constantino I am Cyrus G. Constantino, 44 years old, born in the Philippines, and currently working as an optometrist of my own eye clinic. When I am not working, I love playing basketball and cycling with my friends and family members. I am Ana Lisa B. Constantino, 45 years old, born in the Philippines, and I am also an optometrist. I am currently helping my husband in our clinic. When I have the free time, after cleaning the house and doing the household chores, I love doing movie marathons. I am watching various movies and episodes on Netflix and YouTube. Marriage Vocation | Page 11

How did you two meet? We met back during our college days in 1997 because of being classmates. How long have you been together? We have been together for 23 years and we are married for 20 years now. What are the little things/actions that you love about your partner? Cyrus: I love and appreciate that she always takes care of me and my children. She inspired me to become a better person, not just for me, but for her and our family. Also, I appreciate it when she takes the time to question how I am doing and if there is any problem with regards to work or anything else that I am preoccupied by. Ana: He has always been supportive to the things that I want and like to do. I love and appreciate when he spends time with me and our children to watch some movies or to have some family night out and eat dinner together. And, I appreciate him when he has my back when I need help with something. Marriage Vocation | Page 12

What were the happiest moments you had together? I would say that the happiest moments we had and continue to have are to have movie marathons, to travel and discover various places, and spend some family time together. I think we both agree that they are the most memorable moments that we will cherish in our lives forever. Marriage Vocation | Page 13

When did you know Cyrus: In this chaotic world that that your partner was we live in, circumstances and complicated situations will the one? always come around. It will definitely test you. And, it came to my realization that my life is more comfortable and bearable when I am with her. At that point, I told myself that she will be the last person that I ever wanted to spend and cherish the rest of my life with. Ana: I don’t remember the exact moment, but at some point in my life that I am with him, we support each other, and I am at ease, I knew that I wanted him to be my husband and to be with him. Would you say love is a feeling or a choice? \"We would say both, love is a feeling and a choice..\" Marriage Vocation | Page 14

Did you ever have Definitely, just like any other couples disagreements and married couples out there. We had disagreements and together? How did it misunderstandings. However, it work out? depends on the weight of our situation. There will be a time that you need to provide space and time for each other, especially when emotions are high and need to cool down our heads. At the end of the day, when ready and prepared, we talk about our arguments and settle them. I think that our relationship is founded Where do you think your on friendship. We were classmates relationship is founded and started to be friends. But above everything, it’s our faith in God. We on? believe that praying for each other, even going through good and bad times, we know that we are stronger with Jesus Christ, in our middle and we know that we will overcome every circumstance with prayers. Marriage Vocation | Page 15

Always remember to give a heartwarming prayer for each other. Tell them that you are thankful to have What advice would them, always say that you you give to someone love each other, and be a support system for each before entering other, especially during marriage? downfall. Lastly, always ask our Lord God for guidance and protection because that will keep you from going and growing. Marriage Vocation | Page 16

Marriage is a life-long journey that thrives on love, commitment, trust, respect, communication, patience, & companionship. - Ashley & Marcus Kusi Marriage Vocation | Page 17

SINGLE BLESSEDNESS VOCATION Fulfillment in one's life Single Blessedness Vocation | Page 18

SINGLE BLESSEDNESS Alicia Dee Interviewed by: Bella Dee Patia Dimagiba Who are you? You may also For you, what is the term “single state some infos about you. blessedness”? My name is Maria Alicia Honestly, I didn’t know this term Dee, 36 yrs old. Only until I looked it up on Google. And female and the youngest from what I see it means a state in the siblings. IT of being unmarried. I guess this professional with 16 years term simply means having the of work experience. freedom to do or live your life in Working and residing in your own ways and not bounded Singapore since 2010. by any constraints or any considerations from others. Single Blessedness Vocation | Page 19

Can you state certain differences in your life that you see between you and other people? I guess I have no restrictions. ’m more free to go anywhere or do any activities or how I spend my money. What do you think is the most meaning and fulfilling thing in your life? Honestly, I may not have reached that stage yet where I am fulfilled already. Although, I guess being able to provide and support my parents without worrying about money. Waking up everyday to continue pursuing my passion and learning new things about myself and what makes me happy. These are simple joys sometimes we take for granted that give meaning to our lives. \"These are simple joys sometimes we take for granted that give meaning to Single Blessedness Vocation | Page 20 \"our lives.

What do you think has been most disappointing? Are there times where you feel lonely? It is about the stereotyping for females at my age, people expect that I should be married or have kids already. Or that they questioned why you dont have a boyfriend, is it because you have very high standards. This is a bit disappointing when your surrounded by people who are i guess “old fashioned” or living in the past. Do i feel lonely sometimes? Well yes for I am weak also. I do know that being alone doesnt mean you’re lonely. But, of course, sometimes you will be in that “zone” when you will suddenly think “how I wish I have a partner right now, doing stuff together”. I’m still a hopeless romantic gal. But, you just move forward and do things that makes you happy and at peace. What has been most rewarding in your attempts to do consciousness-raising about singles and single life? Is when people celebrate your milestones, be it small or big success. They focus on the positivity instead of “grilling you” on what is lacking or expected you to have. I don’t really care on what other says, but sometimes commendations make us feel better. Single Blessedness Vocation | Page 21

Can you give any advice to anyone who plans on entering this vocation? Personally, I don't call this as a vocation. It is not that I intend to be single for life. When the time comes and I meet someone and by God’s will, I would love to share and spend time together. It is always about your own personal battles, do not be bounded by any constraints in life. Always pursue your own happiness and peace of mind as long as you don't hurt anyone along the way. Just do whatever you want to do and if you fail, remember that you will always have support coming from your family and friends and that God is always with you. Single Blessedness Vocation | Page 22

I found being single to be a gift in disguise because I fell in love with the person I am. - Anonymous Single Blessedness Vocation | Page 23

REFLECTIONS Reflections | Page 24

JAN ALVARAN SEE ACT With everything falling rightfully in its place, with people regardless of In summary, life does not stop in age, race and gender; an individual has the right to choose his/her giving us hardships and vocation despite of how the community thinks what they should complications in everything that choose. Vocation is a subjective word that is primarily seen as something we do, however, there are as religious,however, the true definition contradicts the first statement as well, countless measures and being vocational refers to the strong inclination of emotion towards career actions that are within reach for pursuance or course of choice. Although, having a strong vocation does not always mean that there will be no obstacles as there are external factors that are ready to challenge one's faith. JUDGE individuals. Subsequently, our Despite the numerous challenges to becoming a consistent individual of being choices reflect the outcome that vocational, I actually feel utmost exciting we need. Therefore, doubt, for my personality as being challenged by misunderstandings and the world lets me remind my self that I am indeed in need of improvements. disappointment should be dealt Much like the married couple in the in accordance to how it should interview, misunderstandings occur be solved such as the means to because of numerous external factors that can affect their vocation as a married go through meditation, couple. Consequently, their solutions communication and etc. towards this obstacle have reflected the necessary means to fix this miscommunication. Reflections | Page 25

JULIAN CONSTANTINO SEE With the effort of establishing a magazine ACT as our group's creative output towards vocation, after interviewing various Up to this date, during the difficult times people, I have learned that God's calling when I feel lost, alone, and unmotivated, is not as straightforward to the result as especially with negative results, I tend to it is supposed to be. In this chaotic world think of ways to keep on track, learn, and that we live in, comfortable life will not take responsibility for the desired choices and be instantly given to you by God. Like decisions. You don't find your calling, but entering your desired vocation, it is not you fight for it to the fullest. I should place always a smooth process. I have learned more effort in learning from other people, and experienced seeing and feeling in the myself, and our Lord, God, especially if it is shoes of other people's circumstances and filled with love and positivity. In these situations. I realized that the opportunity challenging times, I should not place myself of receiving God's calling is when He in negativity. Despite the circumstances, I knows and feels that you are ready and believe that God has a purpose for the presented with various options to handle. beautiful life He gave. And, I let Him take Yet, you know the specific journey to care of the unacceptable situations and take comfortably and fully committed. disturbances because I know that He is the one who knows what I am supposed to do, JUDGE and I only need to listen and respond to Him. Given an opportunity to reflect on God's Reflections | Page 26 calling and vocation, I realized that God's calling would not be provided at a particular time and age. It may be in the early days of your life and maybe later than you expected. Despite this, I believe that a calling can come to us and create a meaningful, worthwhile, life-changing opportunity for us administered by God. In the end, they are about the risks, hard work, integrity, and sacrifices that you endured that are significant. In addition, a vocation does not need to be rushed and forced. Our lives are designated to feel fulfillment. With your chosen path filled with love, your calling is entrusted to you to take care of.

ANTON VILLANUEVA JUDGE Hearing Cyrus and Ana's story, they decided to enter the sacrament of marriage not only because they are comfortable with one another but because of all the small details one person in the relationship does. Loving someone, and entering marriage with them, takes a lot of work and experiences that would get you to say they are the one. Listening to everyone's stories provided me knowledge that sums everything up, that there are plenty of ways to answer God's calling. Without a doubt, there is no right or wrong way to enter a vocation that will last their lifetime. Some enter the priesthood, some enter the sacrament of marriage, and SEE some stay single, all answering to different Thinking about the people we interviewed vocations God has called them to. Yet they revealed to me how showing and welcoming love can come from different things. Hence, there is no are all happy and receive satisfaction in straightforward way to what our future will bring. No one is certain what their path in life will be. doing what they love. Proving that one's vocation and answer to God's calling differ from one another, yet similar as they all are followers of God and shepherds of his missions. ACT Will they enter the priesthood, stay in the state of As a young college student, hearing their being single blessedness, or join with another stories gives me the validation that life is not individual in the sacrament of marriage? When we a race but a marathon. Some may enter the interviewed Cyrus and Ana, the feeling of sacrament of marriage at an early age, some enjoyment and peacefulness was there, knowing may even find their partner at an older age, they had been in love for 23 years. Hearing their while others choose to stay single. The things story showcases another story of how one's calling we receive and do in life are all part of God's may be different from others. Cyrus and Ana's plan. A few get their calling earlier than the story shows how their faith in God and trust in rest, while some devote their adult life to one each other continuously strengthens, having been thing, then answering God's calling. One's married for 20 years. It goes to show that mission in life is not to be stuck doing one different people find happiness in life differently. thing, but try plenty of things then stick to one they want to do, which is their vocation their whole life. As for me, I have yet to receive and answer God's calling. Reflections | Page 27

BELLA DEE SEE Choosing one’s vocation in life is not entirely easy; people at first feel they know what their choice is going to be, but sometimes it changes. Knowing what we want in life and understanding one's self is needed in order to do so. The people that were interviewed here showed us, students, that it is essential to determine what we truly want in life. Listening and loving ourselves is one of the insights ACT gained by doing this activity. In relation to choosing one’s JUDGE vocation, what we should do is listen The people that were interviewed made to what God is telling us. Besides me realize that they are content with what they have in life. All of them ourselves, He is also the one leading entered different vocations, one even us to our path in life. What certain mentioned that she is still open to having vocation we should enter. The people a partner someday, but it all depends on that we meet in this journey of ours God’s plan. It is challenging to choose a is also important because they also certain vocation because it will truly serve as guides as to what particular impact one’s whole life. However, whatever choice that will be made now vocation we will be choosing. It is or in the future should not be judged. challenging to know and reach our Just like entering the vocation of single- own callings, that’s why knowing our blessedness, some may be confused as to responsibilities and doing what why people would choose this. But makes us happy is needed. knowing how to enjoy and be happy with yourself is already enough! Reflections | Page 28

PATIA DIMAGIBA JUDGE SEE After the interview I’ve realized that I believe that you have everything if understanding about God's call and how you have purpose in life. Every you are being guided to respond to it will person has a particular life mission. help you determine your vocation. My life The dream of what might be is more has always been determined by my faith, important than the record of what and I have realized that the longer I live, has been. You must have a purpose, the more strongly I am anchored in my give back to the community, and care relationship with the Lord. God about the next generation. And with strengthens us to serve. However, the this you'll be able to live a good, strength we need most right now isn't healthy life as a result. Discovering meant for us to keep for ourself; rather, one's vocation is important because it's designed for us to use for the good of accepting the plan that God has others. I have learned in whatever planned from the beginning is what situation I am to be content. I know how will bring us fulfillment, happiness, to be brought low, and I know how to and ultimately redemption. abound. ACT Finding your vocation is not an easy task, there are often turns and bumps along the way. Each person’s calling is different from others'. By volunteering, you can strengthen your ties with your community and improve it. The lives of people, animals, and organizations in need can be significantly improved even by helping out with the smallest tasks. Helping others isn't just what God wants for us, but it's what we should want. Because giving back genuinely makes you feel so good. Reflections | Page 29

ANDREA TAMPIPEG SEE In this magazine, we highlighted the ACT three kinds of vocations: married, single, and religious life. Each vocation We must remember that God will is a gift from God intended to enable always be with us. He wants us to us to partake in His intentions for the know our vocation — our true purpose world — it is a call to holiness and in life — His plan for us, but we may service. And after interviewing Sr. have trouble unveiling this because our Habana, I learned more about her minds are distracted and clouded by vocation as a nun in the Missionary unnecessary thoughts. Thus, we must Sisters of Providence. I admire people seek His guidance. Keep in mind that like Sr. Habana — those who show God will lead the way and show you courage and great trust in God by the right path. Keep praying and choosing to answer God's calling to remaining open to the Lord's will, who the religious life. Leaving a life that always has your best interests in mind you were used to, staying in a religious for He always has your best interest at community, and living a simple life is, heart. And as Sr. Habana said \"Once I imagine, an extremely tough you feel that God is calling you. Do not decision. be afraid to answer His call. Do not delay; take that leap of faith.\" JUDGE Reflections | Page 30 I learned about the true significance of having a career and a life's purpose as I progressed through this academic term. Our vocation and work allows us to attain happiness — these shapes us into better characters, and pushes us to discover and develop our gifts and abilities. Faith is a necessity in seeking vocational discernment. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life. Thus, I prayed and, today, I am certain that I want to pursue a profession in finance.

ENTERTAINMENT Single Blessedness Vocation | Page 31

LCENWRD FUN! MARRIAGE VOCATION FULFILLMENT BLESSED PRIESTHOOD VOWS SACRAMENT SUPPORT TRUST RELATIONSHIP Entertainment | Page 32

INSPIRATIONAL WORD BOARD \"We got \"I'lmovhleoewmarytnoisneglf.\" each other for life.\" \"Gawliowtdhayiusss.\" fu\"lltoilveetshtle!i\"fe Entertainment | Page 33

SING ALONG WITH US! \"When I Met You\" \" You gave me a meaning to my life Yes, I've gone beyond existing \" And it all began when I met you There I was, an empty piece of a shell And it all began when I met you Just minding my own world You taught me how to love Without even knowing what love and life were all about You showed me a tomorrow and today Then you came My love, that's different from the yesterday I knew You brought me out of the shell You taught me how to love You gave the world to me And darling, I will always cherish you And before I knew Today, tomorrow, and forever There I was, so in love with you And I'm sure when evening comes around You gave me a reason for my being I know, we'll be making love like never before And I love what I'm feeling My love, who could ask for more? You gave me a meaning to my life You gave me a reason for my being Yes, I've gone beyond existing And I love what I'm feeling And it all began when I met you You gave me a meaning to my life I love the touch of your hair Yes, I've gone beyond existing And when I look in your eyes And it all began when I met you I just know, I know I'm on to something good When I met you And I'm sure, my love for you will endure You gave me a reason (for my being) Your love will light up my world And I love what I'm feeling (love what I'm feeling) And take all my cares away with the aching part of me You gave me a meaning to my life You gave me a reason for my being Yes, I've gone beyond existing And I love what I'm feeling And it all began when I met you You gave me a meaning to my life When I met you Yes, I've gone beyond existing Entertainment | Page 34

\"Anima Christi\" \"From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me\" Soul of Christ, And when the call of death arrives, Sanctify me Bid me come to Thee Body of Christ, That I may praise Thee with Thy saints Save me forever Water from the side of Christ, Hear me, Jesus Wash me Hide me in Thy wounds Passion of Christ, That I may never leave Thy side Give me strength. From all the evil that surrounds me, Hear me, Jesus defend me Hide me in Thy wounds And when the call of death arrives, That I may never leave Thy side Bid me come to Thee From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me That I may praise Thee with Thy saints forever Entertainment | Page 35

\"Love Myself\" \"Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody \"else (I love me) Hey! Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (hey) Yeah Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (I love me) When I get chills at night, I feel it deep inside Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else Without you, yeah (hey!) Anytime that I like Know how to satisfy, keepin' that tempo right (I love me) Without you, yeah (hey!) Ah, la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la ah (hey) Pictures in my mind on replay Ah, la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la ah (I love me) I'm gonna touch the pain away (hey!) Ah, la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la ah I know how to scream my own name Anytime that I like (I love) Scream my name Yeah, I know how to scream my own name Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (hey) Scream my name Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (I love me) Ooh-ooh-ooh-oh Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (hey) Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (I love me) Anytime, day or night Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (hey) Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (I love me) Anytime, day or night Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (hey) Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (don't need nobody Anytime that I like else) (I love me) Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else I take it nice and slow, feeling good on my own Anytime that I like Without you, yeah (hey!) (I love me) (hey) Got me speaking in tongues, the beautiful it comes Ah, la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la ah (nobody else) (hey) Without you, yeah (hey!) Ah, la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la ah (nobody else) (hey) I'm gonna put my body first Ah, la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la ah (nobody else) (hey) And love me so hard 'til it hurts (hey!) Anytime that I like I know how to scream out the words (I love me) Scream the words Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (hey) Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else (I love me) Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else Entertainment | Page 36 Anytime, day or night

Believing in yourself can be hard, especially when no one else believes in you. Just be proud of who you are, and believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it. - Rashida Rowe Page 37