Father Jemboy Caspis from the Philippines shares his vocation journey with us.
I remember very well the difficult situation I found myself in when I felt God was calling me to a religious vocation. Being the only child of my parents, I experienced all the love and care they could ever give me. Home then was my refuge, my security, so the thought of leaving home was heartbreaking.
At the same time, I knew my parents were also having qualms and anxieties when I told them of the urge within me to join a religious congregation. After all, what parents would easily let go of their only son and only child to join a religious group unknown to them at that time?
But, indeed, God makes a way. He must have stirred my parents’ hearts because one day they encouraged me to obey the call of God. They gave me their blessing and support for which I have not ceased thanking them to this day. At that time of decision, we felt God’s calming peace. Also, with God’s grace, I found the courage to surrender myself to His will. I left everything to follow Him.
The ten years of my missionary journey in training and formation went smoothly. After my ordination to the priesthood in 2017, I was sent to Kenya for my first missionary assignment, the same place where I spent four educational and memorable years learning theology.
The beautiful culture and the simplicity of the people of Kenya made me fall in love with the place and the Pokot tribe. I patiently learned their language to be accepted and to be one with them.
I recall celebrating Mass under a tree surrounded by people in colourful attires, singing and dancing gracefully for the Lord. Entrance processions usually took time because of the dance steps involved. The dancers would go forward and backward to the beat of the music. But, sometimes, backward steps would be more than the forward steps!
Of course, we could not begin the Mass without them reaching the altar! The fresh wind and beautiful landscape made each celebration more significant and exceptional.
The Pokot people treated me like a brother. Because they knew me from my student days and because of our common familiarity, they continued calling me Jemboy even after I was ordained a priest. I became so close with the families and vice versa that many of the young boys in my mission area had been named Jemboy by their parents!
The far distances of the chapels made me a seasoned driver on rough and rocky roads, muddy roads, roads submerged in water, and roads with potholes. I overcame all the difficulties because of my desire to bring Jesus to the people.
In 2023, when I thought I had already found my purpose and mission in life, I was advised to return to the Philippines for a new assignment. With a heavy heart and in tears, I left Kenya in obedience to God Who sends. The Pokot people thought I was leaving for the usual vacation. I could not tell them that I was going for good. To the question, “When are you coming back?” My only answer was, “I really don’t know.” When will it be? Only God knows.
In the Philippines, my new assignment as assistant vocation promoter is to invite young men to follow Jesus in the Comboni way. In this capacity, I have had the chance to visit different provinces to promote our vocation program.
From first-hand experiences, I learned that establishing rapport with a place’s parishes and schools is paramount in reaching out to young men. The role of head teachers and class teachers in gathering them and preparing a suitable program for each school is a big help in running the vocation campaign within a time frame.
Yes, the Mission needs young men with generous hearts who will share and sacrifice their lives for the Gospel of Jesus through the vocation to priesthood or brotherhood. Over the years, I have learned that to be a happy missionary, my focus should always be on what Jesus wills; I should do my best and then put all my trust in Him.
