Br. John Baptist (Philippines)
At the age of 28, I experienced a calling to offer my entire life for God and His church. Prior to that, I was very distant from God and from the Catholic Church. I thought everything was fine because I had work, close friends, family and even a girlfriend. But despite all this, at one time in my life, I had this feeling of emptiness. I felt unhappy, unfulfilled, and without true inner peace. The words of St. Augustine resonate to my interior life âYou have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.â I entered the Brothers in 2013.
Iâm originally from Mindanao, Philippines. Before entering the Brothers of Saint John, I graduated from Mindanao State University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in General Biology.
Fr. Samuel Mary (USA)
Before joining the Brothers of Saint John at the age of 18, I was an avid violinist. Even though I loved playing music I wanted to have a more secure job and so I started to explore other options of career choices and universities. Since I was quite undecided at the time, I decided to join a friend of mine who had decided to live with the Brothers of Saint John in the US for a year to help with their youth ministry. During this time, I realized that religious life, especially the life of prayer, was something that made me so happy and fulfilled. I therefore asked to join the Brothers and even though the journey has been very tough and even filled with struggles and doubts at certain times, Iâve never been more happy in my life as a priest in the Philippines.
For me, the secret to discovering a vocation is to center our life around Jesus. Only then will we discover what makes us truly happy and therefore discover the vocation that God is calling us to.
Delve a little deeper
What is the day-to-day life of a brother like?
We live in small communities, called priories, of between 5 and 10 brothers. The day begins with a time of silent prayer in the chapel, followed by the office of Lauds.
Each day begins in silence, as we gather in the chapel for personal prayer. This quiet moment allows us to listen to God in our hearts, setting the tone for the day. We then sing the Lauds (Morning Prayer), lifting our voices in gratitude and praise.
The morning is dedicated to either apostolic work or preparation for it. Some brothers may visit the sick, teach catechism, or engage with the community. Others may spend this time studying Scripture, preparing homilies, or deepening their understanding of the faith, all in service of their mission.
The highlight of the day is Holy Mass, celebrated together as the source and summit of our life. It nourishes us spiritually and strengthens our unity as brothers.
Like the morning, the afternoon is often spent on the apostolate. Itâs also a time to care for the practical needs of the priory, such as cooking, cleaning, or repairs. Brothers enjoy moments of relaxation, sport, or simple fellowship, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood.
As the day winds down, we gather again for a time of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, sitting in the peaceful presence of Jesus. Together, we sing Vespers (Evening Prayer), offering our day to God. Before retiring, we pray Compline (Night Prayer), either as a community or individually, entrusting ourselves to Godâs care through the night.
What are the 3 vows?
We take three vows: the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Life according to these vows corresponds to “that form of life which he, as the Son of God, accepted in entering this world.” (Vita Consecreta, 16)
Poverty: Living simply and letting go of material attachments allows us to depend fully on Godâs providence and focus on what truly mattersâloving Him and serving others.
Chastity: Offering our hearts completely to Christ, we live a pure and undivided love that draws us closer to Him and allows us to love others selflessly.
Obedience: By surrendering our will to God, we trust Him to lead us, following the example of Jesus, who said, âNot my will, but Yours be doneâ (Luke 22:42).