spirituality

The Family: Seedbed of Vocation
Sr. Caritas Guiuan, FSP

The family is the place where characters are formed, and principles are learned and practiced.

I belong to a big family of 14 children. Three of my siblings died at infancy and one of miscarriage. We were ten who reached adulthood. I have five brothers in a row and I am the sixth and the first girl. I still have three younger sisters and a brother. I can say that it is a blessing to be born and raised in a big family where there is love, unity and concern for one another.

If I am a religious now, I owe it to my family. The values that I have learned in life came from my home. The school is just secondary. My first teacher was my father. At that time, before the Second World War broke out, he had already retired from the US Army after 30 years of service. My mother was preoccupied with taking care of us their children and doing the household chores.

Before going to school I already knew how to read the alphabet, write my name and count from one to ten. I look up to my father with great reverence. What was most memorable in my father were his good examples and witness of life. He was extra generous, not only to the family, but to all the people of our town.

I remember one time when he gave out to the poor even the last supply of rice we had and my mother reminded him: “Remember, we have many children to feed.” But he only retorted: “Do not worry, God will provide.” The fact was, we never went hungry. Providence was abundant. His other act of generosity was to give alms to the bereaved family of any one who died in our vicinity, even if he did not know them personally. Most of the time, I was the one sent as errand girl, that is why I grew up with the thought that almsgiving is a part of life.

When I was still small, I could hear my father giving pieces of advice to my elder brothers. He would say: “Even if people will deceive you or fool you, just be good to them. And if someone approach you for help do not let him or her go away without extending your help according to your capability.” He said these not only in words but he did it himself. He was a good disciplinarian and he disciplined with love.

My father was also a faithful observer of the Sunday precept. He went to Mass every Sunday. During the war, while we were in the evacuation area, he usually went to the town, a 20 or 30 minutes ride in a banca in order to assist Mass. He did not allow me to go with him but he encouraged my brothers to go.

Indeed, I am favored with many graces, especially with my religious vocation and the priestly vocation of my brother, Fr. Roberto Guiuan. November 30, 2006 is very significant for him because it is the golden jubilee of his sacerdotal ordination. He has been my faithful benefactor and also of the Daughters of St. Paul. I pray that Jesus Master may shower graces upon him not only this year, but in the years to come.

I would like also to pray for my family members, especially those who have already reached the finish line. May the Lord bless them with great happiness and peace in the everlasting kingdom.