This week is National Vocations Awareness Week. Catholic Outlook invited members of our faith communities to reflect on the joys of their varied vocations and some sound advice for those still discerning God’s call in their lives.
Fr Galbert Albino
Administrator, Sacred Heart Parish, Luddenham-Warragamba and Diocesan Director of Priestly Vocations
Diocesan priest since November 2018
Catholic Outlook: Why did you decide to become a priest? What called you to this vocation?
Fr Galbert Albino: My decision to offer myself wholeheartedly to the Church is driven by my love for Christ. Though, as I would always say, remain to be unworthy for this call, I believe that Christ graced me with this gift of vocation and so, I also humbly submitted myself to this call. Since my childhood years, I already had this immense desire to serve God through His people.
What would you say is the biggest joy in your vocation?
The biggest joy that I ever had with my vocation is on the day of my ordination. It was the day of my confirmation that indeed God had chosen me, though unworthy.
What is your favourite story from your vocational life?
When my father had opposed my decision that I wanted to become a priest someday. He was so upset with me that he smashed the canoe paddle into our kitchen door, broke it and shouted at me: “What can you get out of it?” Why this has become my favourite story is because it was for this reason that my love for this vocation had become intensified. When you love someone, you have to learn to fight for that person you love. It is because I love Him, now, I am willing to die for Him.
Who is your favourite saint/s? What impact have they had in your life?
To be honest, I had a few favourites, like St Padre Pio and St Anthony of Padua. But one of my biggest favourites is St Ignatius of Loyola. Not because he is my patron saint in my hometown in the Philippines, but because of his courage to surrender himself to Christ. Enduring the many hardships that he encountered along with this call to the priesthood, St Ignatius never gave up. He pursued till the end of his earthly life offering his very self in the service of the Lord. That is why his prayer ‘suscipe’ (take and receive) has also become my daily prayer.
Have you received any great advice on your vocational journey?
The good advice I received on my vocational journey was from the very words of my former rector in my previous seminary, San Carlos Seminary College in Cebu, Msgr Roger Fuentes, when he told us; ‘if you want to become a priest, you need to learn to dirty your hands’. What he precisely meant by that is the willingness to serve the poor, the marginalised, the vulnerable and those considered outcasts of society.
What message would you have for young people discerning their vocation?
The word of Pope St John Paul II would always re-echo in me when I am asked this question and that is ‘Do Not Be Afraid’ to answer God’s call, whatever it may be.
With the launch of the new Diocesan Pastoral plan, how do you in your vocation hope to strengthen communion, participation and mission in the Diocese?
I would say, fulfilling our mission for Christ can be done through our collaborative work with each other, making sure that we learn to listen to each other and through constant prayer that we can discern what God really wants from us.
If you wish to learn more about how you can discern your vocation, visit the Diocesan website.
If you are a young man discerning your calling to the priesthood, contact Fr Galbert on (02) 4773 4321 or send him an email.
