Fr. Paolo Cervantes: Answering God’s Call

My priestly vocation began when I was young. I became an altar server at the age of nine, inspired by our newly ordained priest. I entered the seminary in high school.

I am the second of four siblings, and our youngest is my sister. I was born and raised in a small town in Masbate, Philippines. My grandfather brought me to the church and introduced me to the priest so I could become an altar server.

My grandparents on my father’s side, as well as my parents, are very pious. My father was very active in the church as a Eucharistic Minister and served as president of several religious organizations, including the Parish Pastoral Council. My mother also served as president of various Marian organizations. They both encouraged me greatly to pursue my vocation to the priesthood.

I served as an associate pastor for nearly 12 years in various parishes within the Diocese of Masbate, Philippines, and also worked as the Diocesan Youth Director for two years. I then became a pastor for 11 years in three different parishes before deciding to take a sabbatical leave from our diocese. Eventually, I applied to serve here in the Diocese of Calgary.
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​My fourth year in seminary was challenging. It was a difficult period that made me reflect deeply on my intentions and commitment to my vocation. By God’s grace, I was able to continue, finish my formation, and eventually be ordained. After more than a year of waiting, I was ordained a deacon, and seven months later, on December 12, 2000, I was ordained a priest in my home parish, Holy Infant Jesus Parish, San Fernando, Masbate, Philippines.
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I had some challenging times as an associate, especially in learning how to work well with my pastors. During those moments, I kept praying for them and for myself, and with God’s grace, I persevered. Through those experiences, I learned valuable lessons about understanding, patience, and compassion. 

​I love the Prayer of St. Francis; it is one of my favourites, along with Psalm 23. I also have a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and pray the Rosary every day. I make it a habit to pray daily for the poor souls in purgatory, especially during my Rosary and at Mass.

There is one thing I always tell people who ask how they can grow closer to Jesus, discern a vocation, or become a priest: keep on praying. There is no better way than to ask God to guide and enlighten us in everything we do and in every decision we make. I also encourage them to seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother and to pray for the souls in purgatory, because when they reach heaven, they intercede for us like the saints do.

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Written by Fr. Paolo Cervantes.