OMNIA VESTRA IN CARITATE FIANT

(Let all your things be done in Love)

Vocation story of Bro. Jan Feliph Jovita Hadji

It might sound unbelievable but it all started when I was in the womb of my mother. I
was told by her that she often drank holy water every night just to protect me from evil entities
and in hope that she will deliver me safely and healthy with prayers that I may live in accordance
with the catholic faith. This act of love made me realize that it is really true that where love and
charity are, God is there.
Pax Christi, I am Jan Feliph J. Hadji a parishioner of San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral,
Diocese of Surigao. The eldest and the only son among five siblings, graduated Junior High
School at Surigao City National High School. First and foremost, I want to thank God for calling
me to this vocation despite my unworthiness. Most seminarian unknowingly nurtured their
vocation at home – a vocation that was inspired by the family, and this kind of story is similar to
mine. My granddad and grand mom were both catechist and a practicing catholic, my father was
a convent boy and a supposed to be seminarian. I can still recall those moments when every
morning my lolo would wake me up to fix myself for the early mass, every sunday that was our
routine. At that early age I can’t barely understand what is happening, but what I know that what
was happening is sacred and heavenly. I am always captivated by the priest’s vestment and the
way he sung the doxology, that is why every free time, it makes me happy imitating priest, role-
playing like a priest. I That was my childhood, and I am very much interested when my lolo
would tell me a story about priestly vocation and he would say like this, “I pray that you become
a priest” and every time I am asked what I want to become in future, my response would be,
“Oh, I want to be a priest”
On February 16, 2018, my lolo passed away and it really broke my heart, by then I loss
the desire to become a priest for 2 years. However, the fire of love to the consecrated life
suddenly lit and I wasn’t expecting that, I just heard the voice of God speaking through my heart.
At that moment my curiosity to the catholic faith was triggered that is why little by little with the
help of the internet and those catholic faith defenders, I now love and perseveringly practicing
our catholic Faith. On November 19, 2021, I became a member of the cathedral choir, the lumen
Christi Choir. On 27 of the same month, I was installed altar server of the cathedral, by then my
emotions was overpouring. I can’t imagine the greatness of God that is why in return I
unceasingly attend and serve the mass almost every day. Although there were temptations but
this radical love of mine to serve God and his holy church will always prevail. I also became a
member of the Young Catholic Faith Defenders’ Community and that was a really great
adventure.
As an active altar server and a choir member I met numerous seminarians especially
Frater Christian Paloma who would always share his stories of motivations and inspirations in
the seminary that is why my desire to become one, doubled. I will not forget this quote from our
parish priest during his homily, “To follow Christ, to answer God’s call requires sacrifice”. Deep
in my heart and soul I always pray to God, “Lord if you are really calling me, I will offer to you
my whole being whole heartily”.
On February 27, 2022, I had decided to take the entrance exam of the Diocesan Seminary
and I did pass. I was invited to attend the 2-day search-in-and-interview at Pope John XXIII
Pastoral Center but unfortunately, I didn’t make it to the interview. I was informed that it was
due to financial incapability and for the second time I was devastated and heart broken. I cried
the whole night and out of despair I said to God, “Are you really calling me Lord? If it is, please
give me a sign, your will be done”. At that night I suddenly recall the post of the SVD parish in
our diocese and I immediately message father Dua. I met and talk with him on the following day
and he gave me the fb accounts and cellphone numbers of fathers Rocha and Roms.
On Pentecost, June 05, I take the SVD entrance exam, I prayed to the Holy Spirit and
during breaktime recited three hail Mary, while holding the Rosary. On the same day the results
were released and I passed. It brought me joy that cause me tears. Now I realized that everything
has a purpose and that God ways are always the best. On the Feast of the Holy Trinity, I received
a message from father Roms, stating that I am expected to be in Bohol on July 11. My reaction
was just wow, I was surprised because july 11 is my Birthday. What a great gift from God,
adding that the day is also a feast of St. Benedict of Nursia my patron saint next to saint Thomas
Aquinas. With these, my journey toward being an SVD seminarian are quite significant and until
today I wasn’t expecting this. I am sure my grandfather is happy for me.
I know my journey is still far and I have a lot to experience. Priesthood is not a racing
contest; it takes a lot of sacrifice and commitment that is why our commitment to mission
requires us of LOVE and the readiness and willingness to left everything worldly. I know I found
happiness in this vocation and may the good Lord, the source of unfathomable love, with his
great mercy and compassion, bring in to our hearts the steadfastness to share in the work of the
salvation and redemption of men. May our woks always be rooted in love, because he that
dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God; and God in him.
PERSONAL COAT OF ARMS