You did not choose me, but I chose you

I am the youngest of 11 children. To become a priest is my childhood dream and my parents, Anunciacion and Rex, were instrumental in my vocation. I always accompanied my mother to church when I was young and memorized the novena to the Mother of Perpetual Help, one of the famous novena prayers to Mary in the Philippines. My vocation was nurtured through my active involvement in the parish especially the youth organization, an attitude I got from my father who was then a public servant in their community.  

I entered Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in the Philippines in 1986 and graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts, Major in Philosophy & Minor in Religious Education, and at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology. I was ordained a priest on June 10, 1995 in my diocese (Diocese of Daet, Camarines Norte) by the Most Rev. Benjamin J. Almoneda, DD.  I also studied Liturgy at San Beda University and Human Development Psychology at De La Salle University both in Manila, Philippines. I assumed various ministries and parishes including Liturgy Director and Master of Ceremonies for 8 years, and my last assignment was as Rector and Pastor of the Parish and Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua, Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

After serving my home country for 21 years, I was called to serve the Diocese of Calgary in 2016 and was assigned by Most Rev. Frederick Henry, DD as Associate Pastor of St. Mary’s Cathedral for 3 years. I was appointed by the Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, DD as Associate Pastor of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church last August 1, 2019. 

Following the Lord is not easy but I rely on God’s mercy and love. During trials and difficulties, my spiritual director always said to me: “Don’t give up. His grace is enough for you and He will take care of you no matter what!” That’s why, I chose my priestly ordination motto as my guiding principle to serve God and His people: “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” (John 15:16).

When asked about how to become closer to God, my advice is this: one must have an open heart and mind, and let the grace of God lead you to where He wants you to go. To trust and surrender everything to the Lord is the best way to follow Him. For me, with God as my protector, Jesus Christ as my Master and Lord, Mary as my loving Mother, everything will be in place according to His will and plan.  

---

Written by Fr. Arjay Abanto

Fr. Rowel Jose Abanto (Fr. Arjay)