God’s Call…A Beautiful Gift!
(Sr. Airiz Japitana is in front row, extreme left.)
I hail from the land of sugar and molasses, VMC, Victorias City, Negros Occidental. Our place is surrounded by sugar plantations and very much imbued with the Salesian Spirit by the Priests and Sisters who have done so much good to all Vicmicans especially the young and that has been many years ago even before I was born.
My mother is a former teacher of St. Mary Mazzarello School, Victorias City. Since I was a baby, she used to bring me and my sister to school during some occasions. Eventually, I had my Preschool up to Secondary Education under the guidance and motherly love of the Salesian Sisters. My years in this school were colorful, challenging, inspiring and fruitful. My Salesian Educators molded me to be a good Christian and an honest citizen of the country. The Sisters’ strong sense of dedication, fervor and joyful fidelity gave me much inspiration to follow their footsteps. Their youthful and religious dispositions manifested during their assistance when they used to go around for a friendly chat with us and also during our formation in catechism, Student Leaders’ Training Club and in the Salesian Youth Movement. All these plus their joyful community life have encouraged me to join them. Unfortunately, my parents’ objections and other hindrances gave me much fear and so I tried to forget this desire.
One day, I was invited by a friend to the hacienda to observe their activities among the young. On that particular day, it dawned on me that my life was to be with the young and for the young who are less fortunate and less gifted. But then, I felt a kind of push-and-pull within which disturbed me. I prayed to Jesus through our Blessed Mother asking them to give me the courage to take a final step and say “Yes” to God’s invitation. Jesus and Mama Mary helped me make a big decision at the age of 16 and now I’m already 22, a novice of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. I have spent almost five years of my youth in the Convent and one more year, God willing, I will be a professed FMA. I only want to share with you this beautiful GIFT of my call which I received from God. In exchange, I will give Him a gift… my life. Yes, a life lived for the young and for Him!
Sr. Airiz Japitana
1st year Novice
Hi airiz..nice to have read your story..never thought maging madre ka =) if you don’t recognize me, one year ahead lang ako kay manang mo gretchen..migahay gd kami na..batch ko sila easy, pinky, madonna, etc…hope you are doing great, halong pirmi…invite us sa ‘vow’ mo..ehehe lipat ko ka term ah…im visiting this site just to get update from sisters nga nklala ko sa smms victorias… =)
Hello,You belong to batch 2001, right? A sister informed me that I have one comment in my vocation blog. Indeed, God’s plan is really unimaginable, I thank God for my vocation. How about you? Have you discovered your calling? I ask your help, if you happen to know some young people who try to discern for their vocation please refer them to this website so that they may be helped. Thank You Manang!!! I’m praying for you!!!
Hi Rose Ann, please send me your message in my e-mail-airiz20@yahoo.com.ph because I want to know you more. I seldom visit this site, so please send me your e-mail so that I can help you……hopefully!
God Bless You!