The Role of Effective Communication in our Lives

Communication is essential in our daily living. It helps us to relate effectively and clearly with other people.The field of communication is very broad. Before, I thought that communication is only limited to verbal expressions. I was was wrong. Communication could be conveyed in different methods. It is not only verbal  but also non-verbal. Both verbal and non-verbal communication helps in conveying thoughts or feelings between persons.

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Communication is usually defined as a process by which an individual transmits stimuli to modify the behavior of other individuals. But the definition of communication that struck me most is that "communication occurs when there is a meeting of meanings." I personally believe that communication fails because there is no meeting of meanings. I see communication as a weapon; a very powerful one. If communication is to be likened to a gun, words will serve as one of its bullets. Words are very powerful because it can make or break lives. One should be sensitive in using it.

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The importance of communication in our lives impels us to become more effective communicators. Thus, it is very important to consider communication as a tool in order to establish good relationship towards others.

UNMASKING: The Journey to Conquer One's SELF

I personally believe that the longest journey that man has to undertake is the journey towards the self. Indeed, man has conquered the things that surround him, even the heavenly bodies; but unfortunately man almost forgot the most important thing to be conquered which is the self.

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One's self image is made up of two factors, the positive and the negative side. The positive side is one's strengths and the negative side is one's weaknesses and limitations.Whenever I relate to people, I do not show them immediately these factors, especially my negative side. I tend to hide this side of me because I am afraid to be to be judged, criticized or being rejected. However, to be able for me to establish a good relationship with other people, I tend to wear a mask.

Each of us has a mask. Our masks symbolize truths in us that is being accepted by other people especially the society. This is the face that we show to the world. With this, our masks become our persona or public image. Wearing a mask is not bad but one should be mindful that wearing a mask is not always a necessity.

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Unmasking one's self is the first step in order to have a good self-esteem. This act of unmasking begins with the examination of the self. One should learn how to value one's self  and treat it with dignity, love and reality. This begins with acknowledging and accepting  one's strengths and weaknesses. Eventually this will lead to a healthy self-worth and most specially a healthy self-image.

My Vocation Story

Being a priest was not my childhood dream. I vividly remember when I was a child, I had several ambitions in life. First, was to become an accountant. This dream was a result of constant encouragement from my auntie. Before, whenever I go with her in the bank she keeps on telling me that "I want you to become like that..." then she points at the manager of the bank. Second was to become a doctor because most of the siblings of my father are medical doctors. I also remember that there were times before when my friends and I were playing, I usually take the role of the doctor.Lastly, was to become a teacher someday. The family of my father were not only doctors but also educators. As a matter of fact, my grandfather once became the undersecretary of education. This inspired me to take up education. I want to become like my grandfather someday..

All these dreams turned down when I started to get involved in our parish. When I was in elementary, my father encouraged me to become an altar boy. I was grade five then. I really enjoyed serving during the Mass. After years of serving a desire to become a priest someday eventually sprouted. The desire that I felt was quite mysterious. One day when I was serving at the Mass I told myself, "I want to become a priest." This happened when I was in Grade 6. I eventually nurtured that desire to become a priest someday. There were times that my friends and I were playing as if we were celebrating Mass. When I told my family that I would like to enter the seminary, their answer was a big YES. They gave their utmost support for my chosen vocation. I remember the response of my father when I asked permission from him.. "if that's your dream, go for it, I will support whatever is your decision."



Upon entering the seminary, I was shocked because all my ideals when it comes to seminary life collapsed. Before entering the seminary, I thought most of the seminarians were very pious and religious. I was wrong. Violations here and there, too much hiding from formators and seniority complex, those were my first impressions of seminarians.Eventually, the time came that I started to get used to the seminary life. I also made violations, hid from formators and many more. Satisfactorily, I survived the challenges of the seminary life for almost five years because I always bear in mind that I am in the seminary because of God and for God.



When I reached Postulancy, there was a desire to explore the outside world and at the same time help my family. Being the eldest in the family is difficult. From time to time, I am being haunted of my responsibilities in the  family considering their situation at present. It was October 5, 2011 when I decided to apply for a two-year leave in the seminary. It was really a crucial decision that I made. Before coming up with my final decision, I sought advice from my formators, classmates and friends. I really prayed hard because I felt the need of Divine Providence.


I personally believe that being a priest is not a contest of time. What really matters is ones readiness to respond to the challenges of priesthood. Our vocation is a gift form God and the challenge for us is to handle it with care and utmost love.