Today, I officially become a 9-year-old priest!
9 years old. That was the age I had my First Communion. I remember being very excited to finally receive Holy Communion just like the rest of the family! Oh, I knew deep in my faith it was Jesus I was receiving.
9 years old. That was the age I decided to become a priest... to enter the seminary after I graduate 6th grade and on to the path of becoming a priest. I was already willing to tackle the 17-year priestly formation.
9 years old. So young... yet, I felt like I was older than the rest.
It's the same feeling that I have now, as a 9-year-old priest. I seem to feel that I have matured quite fast than I had expected. Physically, I look more like over 40... although others compliment me with a face that looks younger (?!). In terms of character and personality, I feel I have been undergoing more than the usual. I feel like I am really getting old faster than the usual pace traced down by the physiological and psychological experts.
Yet, more than the maturity being felt inside and out, one thing remains very important:
that I was born, raised and formed to be what I am now... a PRIEST!
It's a treasure I carry deep within my heart.
I suppose it's the same with my "brothers" who became priests like me on that day.
